The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued a directive to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement proper drainage management along the Shimla-Kalka national highway before the approaching monsoon season. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi, observed that blocked drains and stagnant water could cause extensive damage to this critical highway, which connects the hill state's capital to the plains.
Court Directives and NHAI Compliance
The court instructed the NHAI to take all necessary precautionary measures to ensure that rainwater flows smoothly through regularly cleaned drains and does not accumulate in the drainage system. Such accumulation, the court noted, could ultimately damage the highway stretch.
Construction Updates
During the hearing, the NHAI informed the court that the construction of the Kandaghat bypass in Solan district and a major bridge near the Apollo Tyres showroom at Daunsi village is likely to be completed by November 2026. The NHAI project director stated that intermittent rainfall since April has adversely affected the execution of bituminous work on the Parwanoo-Solan section of the highway. Work at Datyar is expected to be completed by May 30, while pending works at Chakki Moud, including the installation of reinforced mesh and geosynthetic mats, are likely to be completed by June 30.
Delays and Obstructions
The court noted delays in the four-laning work near Deventure Hotel and directed the authorities to take necessary action against the concerned contractor. Regarding slope protection work at Kumarhada village, the NHAI reported that it was forcibly stopped by local residents. Despite requests made to the Solan district administration, no assistance has been provided so far.
For the Solan-Kaithlighat section near Berkhas village, the court was informed that hillside slope protection work has been completed, but retaining wall construction on the valley side has not yet been undertaken by the contractor. A show-cause notice has been issued to the contractor to immediately begin the said work.
At Kyarighat and Wakna near Eutopia, muck removal and slope protection works are still underway, with some projects facing obstruction from local residents. The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 18.
