Driving on Shimla bypass a nightmare

Tribune news service

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Shimla, November 27

The condition of the 15-km long Shimla bypass — the lifeline of the public transport in the capital city that connects the ISBT to Dhalli — has turned from bad to worse as the NHAI has failed to start the mandatory repair work, let alone doing overdue tarring work to give much-needed relief to commuters.

Though the pitiable condition of the bypass has reached the Chief Minister’s Office as he also heads the PWD department, the state PWD has put the onus on the NHAI. The road was transferred to the NHAI about two months ago, reveal PWD engineers.

The commuters face back-breaking rides due to deep pot holes, uneven and rough patches and plumes of dust and sand as one drives from Panthaghati to Khalini and the ISBT.

The white line that runs in the middle of the highway for the safe driving has disappeared. Policemen on duty wear mask to save them from the dust and pollution.

From Taradevi to Dhalli, the road berms on the Shimla bypass have been occupied by the parked vehicles, taxi walas, tourist buses and private trucks, rued the commuters. When contacted, an official claimed that they have started the patch work from the ISBT side.

Superintendent of PWD (national highway) DD Chauhan said that the highway was transferred to the NHAI recently. The higher authorities have directed the NHAI to repair the highway after matter was brought to the notice of the state government, he added.