Himachal Pradesh High Court questions NHAI over Shimla Bypass tunnel plan

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has sought a response from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the decision to abandon a surface highway plan for the Shimla Bypass in favor of twin tunnels. The court noted that land had already been acquired and approximately Rs 600 crore in compensation had been disbursed for the original surface project.

The legal action follows a petition from Sanjauli residents alleging that excavation for the Chalauthi-Sanjauli-Bhatta Kufar tunnel has caused structural damage to residential buildings located above the alignment.

NHAI counsel informed the court that tunneling work has been suspended since September 18. Construction will not resume until an expert team from IIT Roorkee submits a safety report. The court has issued notices to the Union government, the Himachal Pradesh government, the NHAI, and the Shimla Deputy Commissioner, with the next hearing scheduled for November 17.