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Key Points

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has expressed serious concern over NHAI's slow progress on slope protection work along the crucial Chandigarh-Shimla highway. Out of 41 identified landslide-prone locations, protection measures have been completed at only nine sites so far. The court noted that debris continues to fall from unprotected stretches and even installed safety netting has collapsed in some areas. This vital highway faces frequent closures due to landslides during monsoon seasons, endangering commuters and disrupting traffic regularly.

Key Points: Himachal High Court Slams NHAI Over Slow Chandigarh-Shimla Highway Protection

  • Only 9 of 41 identified slope protection sites completed on critical stretch
  • NHAI sets March 2026 deadline for remaining protection works
  • Court notes installed protective netting collapsed at one location
  • Debris continues falling from unprotected highway slopes
2 min read

Himachal High Court pulls up NHAI over slow slope protection work on Chandigarh-Shimla highway

Himachal HC criticizes NHAI's slow slope protection work on landslide-prone Chandigarh-Shimla highway, with only 9 of 41 sites completed despite court monitoring.

"Despite sufficient time and leverage already having been given, progress remains unsatisfactory - Himachal Pradesh High Court"

Shimla, September 21

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has expressed concern over the slow pace of slope protection work on the Chandigarh-Shimla National Highway, where frequent landslides have disrupted traffic and endangered commuters.

In its latest affidavit, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) informed the court that out of 41 identified locations along the 21-km Solan-Kaithlighat stretch, slope protection has been completed at only nine sites, while work is ongoing at 32 others. NHAI also said that in total, 42 locations along the highway required protection measures, of which 28 have been completed, with the remaining works scheduled for completion by March 16, 2026.

The bench, recalling its earlier directions, noted that NHAI had previously claimed to have carried out slope protection at 17 sites and mentioned the existence of seven diversions between Solan and Kaithlighat. The court observed that there was still no clarity on whether these diversions had been reduced.

"Despite sufficient time and leverage already having been given, progress remains unsatisfactory," the court remarked, underlining that debris continues to fall from stretches left unprotected. It also noted that at one location, even the installed protective netting had collapsed along with the slope material.

The Chandigarh-Shimla highway is one of the busiest routes in Himachal Pradesh and has faced repeated closures due to landslides triggered by monsoon rains. The High Court has been monitoring NHAI's compliance and progress on the matter.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
March 2026? That's almost two years away! What about safety during next monsoon? The court should impose penalties for delays. Lives are at risk here, not just convenience.
M
Michael C
As someone who visited Shimla last month, I can confirm the road conditions are dangerous. The protective netting collapsing shows poor quality work. NHAI needs better contractors and stricter supervision.
A
Ananya R
This is typical government project delay. First they give unrealistic deadlines, then keep extending. The court monitoring is good but needs more frequent reviews. Hope they complete before next rainy season! 🙏
S
Sarah B
The tourism industry suffers so much because of these delays. Many foreign tourists cancel trips due to road safety concerns. This affects local livelihoods significantly.
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the court's intervention, we must also consider the geographical challenges of working in hilly terrain. However, NHAI should be more transparent about progress and challenges.

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