18 days on, heavy vehicles roar back to life on the Chowari-Lahru link road

Bus commuters and heavy vehicle operators heaved a sigh of relief as the Chowari–Lahru link road was restored for heavy transport yesterday. The 5-km stretch had been rendered unusable after torrential rains on August 1 snapped connectivity between Chowari subdivisional headquarters of Chamba district and Kangra’s Nurpur region, besides Pathankot in Punjab.

The Public Works Department (PWD) had earlier restored the route for two-wheelers and light motor vehicles on August 8. However, trucks and buses were forced to take a 25-km detour via Chowari-Raipur-Lahru, adding time, cost and inconvenience.

The monsoon-triggered damage was not new. In August 2022, nearly 60 metres of the road had been washed away. This year, erosion sunk and damaged nearly 100 metres more, making direct repair impossible. To address the crisis, the PWD carved out a fresh passage by cutting the adjoining hillside. This temporary kutcha road now allows heavy vehicles to pass, though experts warn of its short lifespan due to the fragile soil and recurring landslides.

For safety, the PWD has placed guide stones along the roadside to prevent skidding into the deep gorge below. “We created an alternative kucha road passage at Brampla. After a successful test trial with an HRTC bus, a fitness certificate was issued for heavy vehicle movement,” confirmed Narinder Chowdhary, Executive Engineer, PWD Chowari Division.

The SDM, Chowari, also issued a press release confirming restoration of the road for heavy traffic. Officials added that metaling of the temporary stretch and additional safety measures will be undertaken in the coming months to ensure safer and more durable connectivity. The reopening has eased movement for commuters and restored a crucial transport link for the region.