Firm engaged in Kaithlighat-Dhalli road widening work booked for negligence

The company involved in construction of Kaithlighat-Dhalli four-lane in Shimla has been booked for negligence, endangering the life and safety of the people in Shimla, following the incident of subsistence of a portion of road in Bhattakufar.

According to police, as per the complaint filed by local residents, they alleged that the ongoing tunnel construction work at the Kaithlighat-Dhalli four lane stretch is causing damage to the adjoining areas. They alleged that the incident of subsistence of road in Bhattakufar was a result of the ongoing construction work.

Taking prompt action, police filed a case against the NHAI under section 125 (rash or negligent act which endangers human life or the personal safety of others) and 125A (causing hurt by a rash or negligent act that endangers life or personal safety) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and had initiated the investigation.

The action came after a portion of a road in Bhattakufar in Shimla sank on Saturday, leading to a formation of a deep pit on the road. A school girl who was on the spot and was boarding a school bus fell into the pit and was rescued by the locals with the help of a rope. The front tyre of the bus also stuck in the pit.

The incident enraged the locals who alleged that they had informed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials beforehand that the construction work of a tunnel near the road was endangering the adjoining areas but no action was taken by NHAI officials.

However, NHAI has refuted the allegations and stated that the incident has no connection with the four-laning works of the Shimla bypass being executed by the NHAI. The NHAI officials further stated that as a proactive measure, all required tools, equipment and material have been offered to the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD) to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the people.