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Himachal's New Drainage Policy Aims to End Monsoon Road Havoc

Himachal Pradesh's Public Works Department has formulated a new Draft Road Drainage Policy to address the severe and recurring damage to roads caused by intense monsoon rains. The policy, based on technical assessments, aims to move from reactive repairs to preventive, science-based management by treating drainage as a core engineering component. It mandates designs based on actual rainfall data, introduces modern cleanable infrastructure, and proposes a dedicated budget head for independent funding. The phased implementation will prioritize Major District Roads to ensure all-weather connectivity in key regions.

Key Points: Himachal's New Road Drainage Policy to Combat Monsoon Damage

  • Policy shifts from repair to prevention
  • Uses hydrological data for design
  • Creates dedicated "Road Drainage" budget
  • Prioritizes Major District Roads
  • Strengthens enforcement against drain misuse
2 min read

New drainage policy to strengthen road infrastructure in Himachal: Vikramaditya Singh

Himachal Pradesh unveils a science-based drainage policy to prevent recurring road damage, shifting from repairs to prevention after massive losses.

"The new policy marks a decisive shift from reactive, repair-based practices to preventive, science-based road management. - Vikramaditya Singh"

Shimla, February 3

Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Tuesday informed that the PWD has formulated a new comprehensive Draft Road Drainage Policy to address the recurring damage to the state's road infrastructure caused by intense monsoon rains.

Vikramaditya Singh informed that the policy was prepared after a detailed technical assessment by the department and has been approved for placement before the forthcoming Cabinet meeting for final endorsement.

He said that recent monsoon seasons have posed unprecedented challenges to road connectivity across Himachal Pradesh. In 2023 and 2025 alone, the state incurred estimated losses of nearly Rs 2,400 crore and Rs 3,000 crore, respectively, due to extensive road damage. Technical evaluations conducted by the department revealed that inadequate drainage systems, combined with slope instability, were the primary factors behind repeated road failures.

He claimed that the new policy marks a decisive shift from reactive, repair-based practices to preventive, science-based road management. Drainage has been recognised as a core engineering component of road construction and maintenance, rather than a supplementary feature, to ensure the long-term durability of road assets.

The PWD Minister further said that under the proposed framework, drainage structures would be designed using hydrological data, including actual rainfall intensity and catchment characteristics, rather than standardised templates.

The policy also emphasises the use of modern drainage infrastructure that allows effective mechanical cleaning and reduces choking, while strengthening hillside protection through mandatory preventive measures in landslide-prone and seepage zones. Measures have also been incorporated to prevent water ingress into road foundations by ensuring proper treatment of road shoulders adjoining drainage systems, he added.

Vikramaditya Singh further informed that to ensure sustained implementation, a dedicated budget head titled "Road Drainage" under Major Head 5054 has been proposed, enabling independent funding separate from routine road maintenance. The policy also provides for strict enforcement under the Road Infrastructure Protection Act to prevent unauthorised discharge of sewage and solid waste into road drains.

He said that the Drainage Policy would be implemented in phases, with priority given to Major District Roads to ensure reliable, all-weather connectivity, particularly in economically and strategically important regions of the state.

The Minister said this policy represents a long-term structural solution to monsoon-related road damage and would significantly enhance the safety, resilience, and lifespan of the state's road network.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As someone from Shimla, this is a much-needed step. Our roads are a nightmare after the rains. Using actual rainfall data for design makes so much sense. But the real test is implementation on the ground. Will the contractors follow these guidelines or cut corners as usual?
A
Aman W
Good move. The focus on preventing water ingress into the road foundation is key. So much damage happens from below. Also, strict enforcement against dumping waste into drains is crucial. Our people's habit of throwing garbage anywhere ruins the best infrastructure.
S
Sarah B
I visit Himachal often and the road condition is a major concern for tourism. A science-based approach to drainage will not only help locals but also boost tourist confidence. Hope they prioritize the routes to major tourist spots in the first phase.
K
Karthik V
The policy sounds excellent on paper. My respectful criticism is about the timeline. "Implemented in phases" often means delays. With the monsoon a few months away, will we see any tangible change this year, or is this just for the next election cycle? The losses are happening now.
M
Meera T
This is a welcome shift in mindset. Treating drainage as core engineering is basic, but it was never done. My village in Kinnaur gets cut off every year. Reliable all-weather connectivity can change lives and local economies. Jai Himachal! 🙏

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