HC Raps NHAI, PWD Over Dust-Choked Shimla–Narkanda Highway, Seeks Roadmap
Shimla: Coming down heavily on what it called a “lackadaisical and lacklustre approach,” the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Friday pulled up the National Highways Authority of India and the state Public Works Department (PWD) for the miserable condition of the crucial Shimla–Fagu–Narkanda stretch of National Highway 5.
Hearing a public interest litigation, a Division Bench headed by the Chief Justice M S Sandhawalia along with Justice Bipin Chand Negi observed that despite peak tourist season, commuters—including HRTC passengers—are being forced to inhale “plumes of dust” while traveling on the battered highway.
The court noted that the shoddy maintenance and patchwork between Shimla and Fagu reflects a complete administrative failure.
“This is a strategic national highway leading to Rampur, Kinnaur and up to the international border, yet its condition is pitiable,” the bench remarked, flagging serious health hazards for locals and travellers alike.
The judges said the crumbling road not only endangers lives but is also damaging vehicles, including HRTC public transport buses, on a daily basis.
Taking strong exception, the court directed officials of both NHAI and PWD to remain present on the next date of hearing and explain their inaction.
The matter has now been listed for May 20, with the bench seeking a detailed, time-bound roadmap for restoring the highway.
The court also highlighted the larger implications: the highway is the lifeline of Shimla’s apple belt and a key artery for defence movement towards the border. “Such neglect on a road of national importance is unacceptable,” the bench observed.
In a blame game before the court, NHAI officials pointed fingers at the PWD’s National Highway wing for delays in submitting reports, allegedly stalling repair work.
But the bench made it clear that inter-departmental excuses would not be tolerated when public safety is at stake.
With potholes, dust clouds, and botched patchwork defining the stretch, the court said the condition of this historic highway presents a “poor and shameful picture” of both state and central agencies tasked with its upkeep.
All eyes are now on May 20, when the agencies will have to answer tough questions—and hopefully present more than just another patchwork promise and expedite tarring work before it files status report.
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