Social infrastructure
The state has a literacy rate of 76.48 per cent with male literacy at 86 per cent (Census 2001). It has a well-developed educational infrastructure and ranks high on the educational development index*. The Health and Family Welfare Department provides health services to the people. The state has a large network of 90 civil hospitals, 66 community health centres, 439 primary health centres, 22 civil/ESI dispensaries and 2,069 sub-centres.
- Increased utilization of public health services;
- Strengthening of primary health sector;
- Improving the quality of secondary health care;
Access infrastructure
Roads play a vital role in the economic growth of Himachal Pradesh. The government has constructed 29,329 km of motorable roads by September 2006. The road sector has been given high priority. The government has provision of USD 45.1 million for the year 2006-07. Himachal Pradesh has eight major outstanding road projects, of which two are under implementation (Sarsa Bridge Project and Una- Bhota Highway Project).
PowerHimachal Pradesh has vast hydroelectric potential. All the five river basins, namely Yamuna, Satluj, Beas, Ravi and Chenab have well installed hydel power projects. The total estimated hydel power of 20,386 MW can be generated in the state. The state needs to develop various major, medium, small and mini/ micro hydel projects on these river basins. During 1988-89, Himachal Pradesh had achieved 100 % electrification target. Out of the total number of 17,495 villages, 17,155 had been electrified by the end of November 2006. Some of the important projects include Bhakra Project (1,354 MW) and the Beas Satluj Link Project (990 MW). The government has now opened up the power sector to private sector investments.
| Year |
Hydro |
Diesel |
Total |
| 1994-95 |
272.07 |
0.133 |
272.203 |
| 1995-96 |
276.87 |
0.133 |
277.003 |
| 1996-97 |
299.37 |
0.133 |
299.503 |
| 1997-98 |
299.17 |
0.133 |
299.303 |
| 1998-99 |
299.17 |
0.133 |
299.303 |
| 1999-00 |
301.17 |
0.133 |
301.303 |
| 2000-01 |
326.2 |
0.133 |
326.333 |
| 2001-02 |
326.2 |
0.133 |
326.333 |
| 2002-03 |
326.2 |
0.133 |
326.333 |
| 2003-04 |
326.2 |
0.133 |
326.333 |
| 2004-05 |
329.2 |
0.133 |
329.333 |
| 2005-06 |
328.95 |
0.133 |
329.083 |
Source: Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, Statistical Outline of Himachal Pradesh 2005-06
Communications infrastructure
Himachal Pradesh has a high tele-density (no. of telephones per 1,000 people) of 8.4 against 5 at the national level. All telephone exchanges in the state are digitalised and are interconnected to each other by Optical Fibre Cables (OFCs). It has the highest density of OFC penetration per unit area with a 6,000 km network. HFCL, the leading telecom equipment manufacturers in the state has interests in manufacturing transmission equipment, optical fi bre cable, accessories and terminal equipment in the state. The two units at Solan of the company are accredited with ISO 9002 certification with employ strength of more than 1,500 professionals.
Source: www.indiastat.com
Industrial infrastructure
The State Government has established 16 industrial areas, 11 export promotion parks and 11 industrial estates with basic amenities such as roads, power, sewerage, water, communications and power supply. An electronics complex has been developed at Shoghi, near Shimla. The state has established three agro export zones, including the one at Parwanoo, which is one of the largest in Asia.
| Infrastructure |
Details |
| Industrial areas |
Have been set up at Baddi, Barotiwala, Parwanoo, Kala Amb, Paonta Sahib, Mehatpur, Tahliwal, Amb, Sansarpur Terrace and Golthai |
| Baddi Barotiwala Nalagarh Industrial Area |
Emerged as a favorite hub for industries, especially Textile, Pharmaceutical and Packaging
The area has been promoted by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India |
| Bio Technology Park |
The government has proposed setting up a Bio Technology park at Solan. |
| Special Economic Zones |
Approved SEZs in Kangra, Una and Solan districts with an estimated cost of US$ 1.8 billion
Kangra and Solan to have multi-product SEZs whereas Una will have an airport based SEZ |
| Inland Container Depot |
Development of an ICD at Baddi for the benefit of exporting industries through Container Corporation of India |
Source : Dept of Industries, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh
Financial infrastructure
The state has a good network of banks. It has the highest number of banking offices per 100,000 of population at 12.7 against 6.3 at the national level. The total number of bank branches in the state stood at 1,161 in 2003. There are 20 commercial banks operating with a network of 655 branches. The State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, UCO and State Bank of Punjab are the key banks with 556 branches.
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