From frustration to protest: Banjar residents fight for NH-305 fix

Frustrated by years of government neglect, residents of Banjar will take to the streets on April 1 to protest the poor condition of the Aut-Jalori stretch of NH-305 (Aut-Luhri National Highway). Despite two decades of appeals to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), state government and Centre, the highway remains in deplorable condition, forcing locals to take action.

Under the banner of NH-305 Sangharsh Samiti, residents have announced a unified demonstration, with a formal protest notice already submitted to the Public Works Minister, NHAI, and other officials.

Retired Captain Kishan Chand, coordinator of the NH-305 Sangharsh Samiti, stated, “For years, we have repeatedly urged authorities to repair this crucial highway, but our concerns have been ignored. We have now submitted our demands to the Banjar SDM and the NHAI. If no action is taken, we will intensify our protests.” The protest has gained widespread support from local organisations, taxi unions, panchayats, and community groups.

A vital road in ruins

The NH-305 stretch from Aut to Jalori Pass serves as a lifeline for locals and a key route for tourism and economic activity. Lalit, a resident of Jibhi, emphasised the highway’s strategic importance, noting that it connects NH-03 and NH-05, making it critical for travel, trade, and emergency services.

However, its narrow, crumbling state has made commuting hazardous, especially for students, employees, tourists, and emergency responders. Jagdish, another Banjar resident, criticised officials for their inaction, saying, “People are now left with no option but to protest. We’ve had enough of empty promises.”

Over the past decade, hundreds of people have lost their lives in accidents on NH-305 due to its poor condition. Though the highway was declared a National Highway in 2012, the widening project remains stalled, and the proposed Jalori Pass tunnel is still under development.