HC Seeks NHAI Reply on Rs 600-Cr Land Acquisition for Bhatakufar -Dhali four lane 

Shimla, October 29

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has sought an explanation from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for abandoning the proposed surface highway through Chhakrail, Bhattakufar and Dhalli after disbursing nearly Rs 600 crore as compensation for land acquisition, and subsequently opting for a twin-tube tunnel beneath a densely populated hillside in Shimla.

Justice Sandeep Sharma, while hearing a petition filed by Vineet Sharma and other residents of Sanjauli whose houses have suffered damage during construction of the Bhattakufar–Chalauthi tunnel, directed the NHAI to specifically explain why the original surface highway alignment was abandoned and who would bear responsibility for the loss of Rs 600 crore from the public exchequer.

The court observed that the documents placed on record showed that the NHAI had acquired land for the proposed surface highway and paid compensation to affected land and house owners. Approximately 88 families had already been displaced after their houses were demolished.

Subsequently, the authority abandoned the surface highway proposal and decided to construct a twin-tube tunnel connecting Chalauthi, Sanjauli and Bhattakufar.

The change in the project alignment has now come under judicial scrutiny, with the court seeking an explanation for the expenditure already incurred on land acquisition and compensation before the decision to adopt the tunnel option.

The petitioners have sought immediate stoppage of tunnel construction, alleging that the work was undertaken without adequate safety measures and had endangered houses situated on the hillside above the alignment.

The court noted that several houses had developed cracks during construction, while some residential structures had recently been declared unsafe.

Taking note of complaints by residents, the court recorded that the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, along with NHAI officials, had visited the affected area and directed suspension of blasting work.

The court also took note of the visit by an IIT Roorkee technical team on October 1, which had raised concerns regarding safety measures. According to the material placed before the court, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) had earlier advised against constructing a tunnel through the hill beneath which hundreds of houses are situated.

The court also noted reports of water gushing out from both sides of the tunnel and recorded that the distance between the tunnel and the surface was only 14 metres at certain locations near the cemetery and Vishal Mega Mart.

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Appearing for the NHAI, advocate Shreya Chauhan informed the court that the IIT Roorkee team had summoned the relevant construction records. She submitted that work had already been suspended on September 18, 2026, in view of safety concerns raised by residents and the technical team, and would not resume until IIT Roorkee submitted its report and adequate measures were taken to protect nearby houses.

In view of this assurance, the court refrained from issuing a separate injunction but expressed the hope that no further construction activity would take place before the next hearing.

The NHAI has been directed to file its reply explaining the change in the highway plan and the responsibility for the Rs 600 Cr. expenditure.

The matter would come up for further hearing on November 17, 2026.

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