High Court calls Parwanoo–Shimla highway ‘Pitiable’; NHAI told to fix roads in 10 days
Photo source: Internet
Shimla, Nov 6,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the “inordinate delay” and “pitiable condition” of the Parwanoo–Solan–Kaithlighat–Shimla four-laning project. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj was hearing Court on its Own Motion vs. NHAI & Ors., clubbed with CWPIL of 2025 (Uttansh Monga vs. State of H.P. & Ors.), in which Advocate Ganesh Barowalia appeared as Amicus Curiae and assisted the Court.
Taking note of the status reports filed by the NHAI and the State, the Bench observed that the construction of the Parwanoo–Solan stretch was to be completed in April 2021, but “there is an admission that there is an overrun of six years itself.” The Court remarked that despite the NHAI’s claims of progress, “the highway was in a pitiable condition,” particularly in several stretches between Parwanoo and Solan, including Datyar and Chakki, which remain in poor shape. It recorded that “the redeeming factor is now that the muck from the carriageway has also been cleared and the road has been maintained,” but stressed that “it is but necessary to remove all the debris by the NHAI from all the gallis and the drains along the hill side in order to maintain the highway in its pristine condition.”
Referring to the continued damage caused by poor drainage, the Bench directed that “it is thus the duty of the NHAI to maintain the drains and to make sure that they are clean and clear,” warning that “the said exercise is yet to be conducted at various places.” It pointed out that the approach road to Kandaghat from the Chandigarh side was in a “pitiable condition” and required “active steps to be taken to rectify the same in the manner in which work over other stretches has been done in the last one and a half months.”
Highlighting the lack of maintenance in public spaces, the Court also noted the situation at Boileauganj U-turn in Shimla, stating that “on account of the road not been tarred, a huge amount of dust and debris continues to blow all over the places, causing immense air pollution.” It directed both the State and the NHAI “to complete the works within ten days,” making it clear that the order restricting toll collection at Sanwara Toll Plaza would continue until compliance. “Resultantly, we give both State and the NHAI time of ten days to complete the works and in case the needful is done, NHAI will be permitted to collect the toll from 12th November, 2025,” the order said.
During the hearing, the Court was informed of multiple ongoing works — including slope protection, road widening, and debris clearance — but noted that several areas were delayed due to “hindrances and obstructions caused by interference from local residents.” The Bench directed the State to ensure that proper assistance is provided to NHAI, observing that “the said persons cannot hold the maintenance at ransom and the State will take necessary steps to ensure that proper force is provided when the maintenance work is being carried out.”
Acknowledging the assistance provided by Advocate Ganesh Barowalia as Amicus Curiae, the Bench appreciated his efforts in helping the Court examine ground realities and compliance with its earlier orders, stating that his inputs were valuable in ensuring accountability in highway construction and maintenance across Himachal Pradesh.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 11, 2025.
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