Paonta-Gumma NH commuters cautioned

Solan, August 4

Motorists driving on the Paonta Sahib-Shillai-Gumma highway have been directed to exercise caution while driving as it is prone to landslides in the rains.

DC, Sirmaur, RK Gautam said work to widen the highway was underway and rain often made the road slushy and slippery. This not only put the traffic on hold but also posed a risk to motorists.

They had been directed to use the helpline number 1077 in case of any exigency while cautioning them to be careful and venture out only, if necessary.

The SDM, Paonta Sahib, had also been directed to maintain vigil on the highway. The staff of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had been directed to keep machinery and labour ready round the clock for clearing the debris in case the road was blocked.

The highway had remained closed for several days last year too after a major portion of the road had caved in at Kali Dhank. Another stretch at Kachi Dhank was also vulnerable to landslides as it was a sliding zone. A section of the road caved in on Sunday and this had put on hold the traffic for more than three hours. It is a key link to the Shillai region and its closure not only cuts off residents with Paonta Sahib and other areas but aggravates the hardships of those commuting daily to their workplace.