Himachal High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Traffic Chaos, Poor Road Condition on Kasauli Stretch
Shimla, June 15: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of persistent traffic congestion and the deteriorating condition of the road between Gadhkhal and Kasauli, directing the state government to place on record the steps taken to address the problem.
Hearing CWPIL No. 62 of 2026, a division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi observed that the Gadhkhal-Kasauli stretch had become a “nightmare” for both tourists and local residents due to constant traffic jams, particularly during the tourist season.
The court noted that despite the recurring congestion, no effective efforts appeared to have been made to resolve the issue. It was informed that a proposal exists for constructing a bypass to avoid the congested stretch.
The bench directed the state government to file instructions detailing the action taken so far for construction of the proposed Gadhkhal bypass.
The court also directed the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Solan, to inspect the road from Gadhkhal to Kasauli, which was stated to be in a poor condition.
The officer has also been asked to inspect the Dharampur-Gadhkhal road and submit comments regarding the condition of both roads before the next hearing.
In a further direction, the High Court impleaded the Superintending Engineer, HPPWD Solan Circle, as a respondent in the matter and ordered him to file an affidavit indicating when the road was last resurfaced with tar.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 2, 2026.
