The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has accelerated restoration works worth Rs 83.01 crore on the Pathankot-Chamba-Bharmour stretch of National Highway-154A, with key contracts likely to be awarded shortly to ensure uninterrupted connectivity ahead of the annual Manimahesh Yatra. The 172-km highway was severely damaged during the last monsoon and was formally handed over to the NHAI by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on April 30.
Emergency Restoration Plan Approved
According to an NHAI status report, a joint team of the authority and the Himachal Public Works Department conducted a detailed inspection of the highway to identify vulnerable stretches requiring urgent attention before the pilgrimage season. Based on the survey, the NHAI prepared and approved an emergency restoration and monsoon operation plan worth Rs 83.01 crore. The plan includes protection works, deployment of heavy machinery, patrolling vehicles, construction of culverts and road safety measures. Tenders for all five highway packages have already been floated and are at various stages of evaluation.
New Project Implementation Unit at Chamba
To strengthen monitoring of the strategically important highway, the NHAI has established a new Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at Chamba under its Shimla Regional Office. A Project Director, Deputy Manager (Technical), supporting staff and site engineers have been posted to supervise restoration and maintenance works. The authority has also completed drone videography of the entire highway to identify landslide-prone and vulnerable stretches for continuous monitoring. Heavy machinery has been kept on standby for immediate deployment during emergencies.
Political and Official Reactions
Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan said the Centre was committed to improving road infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh and ensuring safe travel for residents and pilgrims. He said the timely restoration and strengthening of NH-154A was crucial, particularly with the Manimahesh Yatra approaching, and appreciated the Union Government and the NHAI for expediting the work. Mahajan said the establishment of a dedicated NHAI unit at Chamba and the use of modern monitoring tools such as drone surveys would significantly improve emergency response and minimise disruptions on the highway.
Impact of Last Year's Monsoon
During the Manimahesh Yatra last year, more than 15,000 pilgrims were stranded after landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains damaged the highway at several locations. The current restoration plan aims to prevent a repeat of such disruptions. The NHAI's proactive measures, including pre-positioning of machinery and continuous drone surveillance, are expected to enhance safety and reliability on this critical route for both local communities and the thousands of pilgrims who travel to the Manimahesh Lake temple each year.
