HP High Court warns NHAI: Toll collection at Sanwara plaza may stop over poor upkeep of Chandigarh–Shimla highway
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Aug 30,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has strongly criticized the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for failing to maintain the Chandigarh–Shimla National Highway (NH-5), cautioning that toll collection at the Sanwara plaza could be suspended if urgent corrective steps are not taken.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma, while hearing Court on its Own Motion vs. NHAI and others , said the agency had been “turning a blind eye” to the worsening condition of the state’s most vital road corridor. The matter, pending since 2017, pertains to delays and shortcomings in widening, upkeep and construction along the highway.
The judges expressed dissatisfaction with the affidavit submitted by Anand Kumar, Project Director of NHAI’s Shimla unit, noting that it failed to present the correct picture. While the affidavit claimed a stone crusher occupied only 50 meters of road space, the Bench observed that the encroachment extended nearly 200 meters, squeezing the carriageway.
Also read:Tolls continue, but trouble persists on Parwanoo–Dharampur “four-lane” stretch
Citing repeated blockages at Chakki Moud in July and August this year, the Court said two-way traffic was often reduced to a single lane, causing traffic jams stretching up to five kilometers. This, it added, had badly hit Himachal’s economy during the apple harvest season, with perishable produce stuck on the route and at risk of rotting.
Equally serious was the issue of a major bridge at km 109+600 near Salograh, where a 77.28-meter-high pier was found deficient in stability and load-bearing capacity. The Court directed NHAI to clarify whether the expenditure on the pier would be salvaged or wasted, and what action was being taken against the responsible contractor. It further sought a complete list of contractors engaged between Parwanoo–Solan and Solan–Kaithlighat to rule out favoritism.
Importantly, the Bench cited a recent Supreme Court verdict that upheld suspension of toll collection on a poorly maintained highway in Kerala, hinting that a similar order could be passed in Himachal if NH-5 continues to remain in disrepair.
The Regional Officer of NHAI in Himachal Pradesh has been directed to appear in person on September 18 with a detailed plan for immediate repairs and maintenance. The Court has also asked NHAI to disclose the total toll revenue collected at Sanwara plaza since its inception.
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