Himachal Pradesh High Court Mandates Expedited Repairs on National Highway 05

NHAI and State Authorities Directed to Address Delays and Environmental Concerns to Ensure Commuter Safety

In a significant judgment, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the State authorities to expedite ongoing maintenance and repair works on critical sections of National Highway 05, particularly the Parwanoo-Solan and Solan-Kaithlighat stretches. The Court has emphasized the urgent need for timely maintenance, removal of debris, and slope protection to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters.

The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj, expressed concerns over significant delays, with the construction timeline overrunning by six years. The Court noted the adverse impact of these delays on commuter safety and highlighted the necessity for immediate rectification measures.

The Court's order mandates that the NHAI and State authorities clear debris, maintain drains, and rectify damaged road stretches. It also addresses the opposition from local residents and shopkeepers, urging the State to ensure that maintenance work is not hindered by such interventions.

Specifically, the Court has instructed the Municipal Corporation Shimla and State authorities to rectify the untarred road at the Boileauganj U-Turn within ten days to mitigate air pollution issues. The Court has allowed NHAI to resume toll collection post-rectification.

The judgment underscores the responsibility of the NHAI and State authorities to maintain highway conditions for the safety of commuters and to prevent environmental degradation. The Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 11, 2025, to review progress.

Bottom Line:

Maintenance and repair work of National Highway - Court emphasizes the responsibility of NHAI and State authorities to ensure timely and proper maintenance of highways, including removal of debris, slope protection, and road rectification, for the safety and convenience of commuters.

Statutory provision(s): National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988

Court on its own motion v. National Highway Authority of India, (Himachal Pradesh)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2805745