Shimla roads make for a back-breaking journey

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 14

The Shimla bypass stretch from Tuttikandi to Dhalli, the Shimla-Kalka road between Kandaghat and Shimla and the Sanjauli bypass have become a nightmare for commuters owing to the poor condition of these roads.

In addition to this, the cloud of dust left behind by the vehicles moving on the Shimla-Sanjauli bypass has resulted in air pollution.

Deep potholes, boulders and heaps of sand dumped on the Shimla bypass, which carries most of the heavy traffic, has been making travelling harrowing for commuters.

Residents of Khalini, BCS, New Shimla, Lower Brock Hurst, Panthaghati, Vikasnagar, Bhattakufer, Dhalli, New Shimla, Kanlog and Tuttikandi are the worst-hit.

“Apart from bumpy rides, residents say they have started experiencing skin allergy and respiratory problems caused due to dust,” said Rohit Thakur, a local resident.

The state Public Welfare Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been playing a blame game over the pathetic condition of the Shimla bypass. Its maintenance was with the NHAI for couple of years, but the PWD took it back about a month ago, say sources. The patchwork and tarring done by the NHAI had worn off due to the substandard material used by contractor, complained residents.

“The NHAI or PWD used to carry out patchwork after rains in September and October, but this year, the road is in a pathetic condition,” said Rakesh Thakur, another resident.

Patients suffer a great deal while moving on these bumpy roads. “They get back-breaking jerks and breathe in dust while travelling on city roads, making their condition even more miserable,” said a resident.

The road between the Kanlog cremation ground and Khalini and between Vikasnagar and BCS have turned unworthy for travelling. The sand mafia dumps heaps of sand on the roadsides of the city. The debris and sand, street vendors and parked vehicles have rendered the road narrow and hazardous. The road stretches between the new ISBT and Darni Ka Bagicha is no better.

‘Shimla-Kalka highway being repaired’

Work on the repair of the Shimla-Kalka highway has started from the Kandaghat side. The Shimla bypass is now with the Public Works Department and its workers are doing patchwork on the road.  Gursevak Sangha, regional officer, NHAI