Shimla – Bhattakufar tunnel work halted after fresh safety concerns
Shimla, Nov 27,
Construction work on the twin-tube tunnel at Bhattakufar has been halted with immediate effect following fresh concerns raised by the district administration after last week’s subsidence on the Mehli–Dhalli road. Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap has issued written directions to the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Regional Office Shimla, ordering an immediate suspension of all excavation, blasting and related construction activities on National Highway-05 (Shimla Bypass Package-II) until further orders.
The decision comes after the Geological Wing submitted a preliminary site inspection report indicating the development of a major cavity on the Mehli–Dhalli stretch. The report observed cracks in the rock mass, continuous seepage, exposed utilities and structural cracks in several nearby residential houses. It further noted that the alignment of the under-construction twin-tube tunnel lies directly beneath the affected zone, and the influence of ongoing underground excavation cannot be ruled out at this stage.
Based on these initial findings, the administration has deemed a detailed geotechnical and geophysical investigation by a specialised agency such as the Geological Survey of India essential to ascertain the exact cause of the subsidence. Considering public safety, the vulnerability of residential structures in the vicinity and the recommendations of the Geological Wing, the district administration has ordered a complete halt to tunnelling, excavation, blasting and all associated construction works at Bhattakufar.
In addition, the blasting permission granted to M/s Gawar Shimla Highway Private Limited has been temporarily withdrawn until further notice. The administration has also directed continuous monitoring of cracks, seepage and ground movement in the affected area, along with full coordination with teams from the Public Works Department and the Geological Survey of India. Safety measures and proper barricading must be ensured to prevent any untoward incident. The Deputy Commissioner has instructed the NHAI Project Director to strictly comply with the orders, warning that any violation will invite legal action.
This suspension comes just days after a portion of the Bhattakufar road caved in beneath an HRTC bus carrying schoolchildren, narrowly avoiding a major tragedy and triggering widespread public alarm. Residents had reported cracks in several houses and staged protests demanding accountability from NHAI. Following on-site inspections by senior district officials, the administration had already warned of a potential disaster and sought intervention from the State Disaster Management Authority. The latest order further underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a thorough investigation.
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