Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, May 20
Himachal Pradesh High Court has summoned the Managing Director of the concessionaire company executing the Kiratpur-Nerchowk-Manali highway project over continued delay in completion of work and inconvenience being faced by commuters travelling towards Manali for more than five years.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice G. S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi passed the order yesterday while hearing suo motu public interest litigation along with a connected matter regarding the condition and execution of the National Highway project.
The court examined affidavits placed on record concerning damaged stretches between Deod, Hanogi Pul and Dawada on the Kiratpur-Nerchowk-Manali highway. The State informed the court that several portions of the road were washed away during unprecedented rainfall in July, August and September 2025. Authorities stated that restoration and tarring work had been carried out and permanent restoration was underway.
However, the bench observed from photographs placed on record that though some work had been completed, certain stretches could still not be termed roadworthy. The State sought time to file a better affidavit regarding the present status of the work, especially since the earlier affidavit had indicated completion by March 31, 2026.
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The court was also informed about drainage and culvert issues on the Sundernagar bypass stretch where local residents had allegedly blocked culverts using stones and mud, leading to water accumulation. The obstruction was later removed and the drainage system restored.
During proceedings, the bench noted serious disputes regarding the claim of completion of various tunnel and restoration works by respondent concessionaire company.
NHAI informed the court that several works were being executed through alternate means at the “risk and cost” of the concessionaire, with estimated liability assessed at over Rs 290 crore.
The High Court noted that despite the concession agreement being executed in August 2017 with the project completion target fixed for September 2021, commuters were still suffering because of prolonged construction delays. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on June 22, 2026.
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