HC seeks report on condition of Shimla-Bilaspur road stretch

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken serious note of the deteriorating condition of the Shimla-Bilaspur National Highway (NH-205) and directed the Secretaries of the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) of Solan and Bilaspur to inspect the stretch between Kalar Bala and Nauni Chowk and submit a detailed report along with photographs before the next hearing.

The Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj observed that “M/s Gawar KBNC Highway Pvt. Ltd., the concessionaire responsible for the augmentation and maintenance of the road between km 41.000 and km 58.450 (about 17.45 km), is bound under the Concession Agreement dated May 16, 2024, to keep the highway pothole-free and ensure adequate service quality and road safety.”

The court further observed that “it was “not in a position to agree” with the assertions made in the affidavit filed by the concessionaire, noting that the “condition of the road remains deplorable.”

As per the affidavit filed by the Project Director, NHAI (PIU, Hamirpur), the concessionaire is maintaining the stretch from Bhararighat to Namhol, which falls under the control of PIU, Hamirpur. The bench noted that the stretch from Darlaghat to Bhararighat comes under PIU, Shimla, and directed that an affidavit from PIU, Shimla should also be filed before the next date of hearing.

The court further asked the DLSA Secretaries to inspect the road and ascertain whether any stream or water flow in the area is contributing to the damage and deterioration of the highway, particularly given the heavy traffic moving from various parts of the state towards Shimla.

The Bench emphasised that the Shimla-Bilaspur Highway is a lifeline connecting the state capital with several districts like Bilaspur, Solan, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Chamba, and Lahaul-Spiti. Therefore, it must be kept in a motorable condition.

While passing this direction the court listed the matter for further consideration on November 27.