The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has fast-tracked restoration and monsoon preparedness works worth Rs 83.01 crore on the Pathankot–Chamba–Bharmour stretch of National Highway-154A, with key contracts expected to be awarded soon to ensure smooth connectivity ahead of the monsoon season and the annual Manimahesh Yatra. The 172-km highway was severely damaged during last year's monsoon and was officially handed over to NHAI by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on April 30, 2026.
Emergency restoration plan approved
According to a NHAI official status report, a joint inspection of the entire highway was conducted by a team from NHAI and the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department to identify vulnerable locations requiring urgent attention before the pilgrimage season. Based on the survey, NHAI prepared and approved an emergency restoration and monsoon operation plan worth Rs 83.01 crore. The plan covers protection works, machinery deployment, patrolling vehicles, culverts, and road safety measures. Tenders for all five highway packages have already been floated and are under evaluation or in an advanced stage.
New Project Implementation Unit at Chamba
To strengthen monitoring of the strategically important highway, NHAI has established a new Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at Chamba under its Shimla Regional Office. A project director, deputy manager (Technical), additional staff, and site engineers have already been posted to oversee restoration and maintenance activities. Drone videography of the entire highway has also been completed to identify landslide-prone and vulnerable stretches for continuous monitoring. Heavy machinery vendors have been placed on standby to respond swiftly to any emergency during the monsoon.
Rajya Sabha MP highlights importance for pilgrims
Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan said the Centre was committed to improving road infrastructure in the hill state and ensuring safe travel for residents as well as pilgrims. “The timely restoration and strengthening of NH-154A is crucial for the people of Chamba and Bharmour, particularly with the Manimahesh Yatra approaching.” Expressing gratitude to the Union Government and NHAI for expediting the work, Mahajan said adequate resources were being deployed to keep this vital highway operational. He added that the creation of a dedicated NHAI unit at Chamba and the use of modern monitoring tools would significantly improve response time during emergencies and help minimise disruptions on the route.
Last year's yatra saw 15,000 pilgrims stranded
During last year's Manimahesh Yatra, more than 15,000 pilgrims got stranded when the highway was damaged at several locations due to landslides or floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains. The current restoration plan aims to prevent such disruptions and ensure safe passage for devotees and locals alike.
