Why is the Himachal High Court Criticizing NHAI for Delays in the Shimla Highway Project?
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Synopsis
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has severely criticized the NHAI for delaying the crucial four-laning project from Parwanoo to Shimla. The ongoing issues highlight the urgent need for accountability and timely infrastructure development that affects countless commuters.
Key Takeaways
- High Court Criticism: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has expressed strong disapproval of NHAI's delays.
- Urgent Completion Needed: The court has mandated completion of outstanding works within 10 days.
- Poor Road Conditions: Significant stretches remain in poor condition, affecting commuters.
- Accountability Measures: The involvement of an amicus curiae is aimed at ensuring accountability in highway projects.
- Future Hearings: The case will be revisited in court on November 11.
Shimla, Nov 6 (NationPress) The Himachal Pradesh High Court has strongly criticized the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the excessive delay of over six years in completing the Parwanoo-Solan-Kaithlighat-Shimla four-laning project and its inadequate maintenance.
The bench, which included Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj, was addressing the matter on its own initiative.
Amicus curiae Ganesh Barowalia assisted the court in evaluating the current state of the roads and adherence to previous directives.
The court highlighted that even though NHAI claimed significant progress, the project was still delayed by more than six years.
It noted that many segments, especially near Kandaghat, Datyar, and Chakki, remain in terrible condition, leading to difficulties for travelers.
The bench ordered the state government and NHAI to finish outstanding rectification and slope protection work within 10 days, warning that toll collection at the Sanwara toll plaza would remain suspended otherwise.
The court emphasized the necessity of maintaining roadside drains and clearing debris from hill slopes to prevent additional damage to the roads.
The next hearing has been set for November 11, during which the bench commended the amicus curiae for ensuring accountability in highway construction and upkeep throughout the state.
The state’s counsel indicated that for the Parwanoo-Solan stretch, slope protection work is expected to be completed by March 16, 2026.
An estimate of Rs 15.20 crore has been prepared for maintenance over the next 12 months, with tenders issued and the project awarded to N.H. Construction Pvt. Ltd.
Ongoing work including drain cleaning, muck removal, and clearing of the Parwanoo-Solan section is being carried out by contractor Dinesh Kumar Sharma.
Concerning the second stretch from Solan to Kaithlighat on NH-05, the total length is reported to be 21.510 km, with 18.988 km of four-laning completed.
Construction on the remaining 2.513 km and approximately 1.3 km along the national highway, including the Kandaghat bypass of 1.2 km, is currently underway. Traffic diversions have been implemented at seven locations, with completion anticipated by October 2026, excluding the Kandaghat bypass.
Point of View
It is paramount to highlight the intersection of governance and infrastructure development. The ongoing issues with the NHAI reflect broader challenges in public accountability and the impact of delayed projects on citizens. The court's involvement underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure that infrastructure projects are completed on time and maintained effectively.
NationPress
06/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the Parwanoo-Solan-Kaithlighat-Shimla project?
The project has faced over six years of delays, with significant portions still in poor condition despite claims of substantial completion.
What actions has the Himachal High Court taken regarding the NHAI?
The court has ordered the NHAI to complete pending works within 10 days and has threatened to suspend toll collection at the Sanwara toll plaza if the order is not followed.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing is set for November 11.
Who is responsible for maintaining the roadworks?
N.H. Construction Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded the maintenance contracts, and contractor Dinesh Kumar Sharma is currently working on the Parwanoo-Solan section.
When is the construction expected to be completed?
Completion of the remaining construction is anticipated by October 2026, except for the Kandaghat bypass.
