Shimla administration halts tunnel work following residential building cracks

The Shimla administration has ordered an investigation and halted tunnel construction following reports of structural cracks in several residential buildings. The damage, affecting at least eight houses in the Cemetery and Dhingu Bawdi areas of the Shanti Vihar ward, includes cracks in walls, floors, and retaining structures.

Local residents expressed concerns that the ongoing four-lane tunnel project is responsible for the damage, with some alleging that night blasting caused the issues. An administrative team led by ADM (Protocol) Gyan Sagar Negi inspected the site to assess the impact. Work on the parallel tunnels will not resume until an investigation report is received and safety measures are implemented.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) issued a clarification stating that all necessary precautions and engineering practices were followed. NHAI noted that blasting activities were suspended in November 2025 and that remedial measures, such as grouting, structural retrofitting, and crack sealing, have been undertaken at affected locations.