The decision of Shimla Deputy Commissioner to stop work on Shimla By-pass has started a controversy as people are blaming the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the executing agency in the construction.
The District Magistrate, Shimla had suspended the construction work of Twin Tube Tunnel, Bhattakuffar a few days back after a portion of the Bypass being constructed had developed a deep hole in which a tyre of a vehicle got stuck.
The local people have been blaming the NHAI for negligence in construction leading to the issues while the executing company is also blaming lapse in geological survey report and not assessing the actual geological condition of the area.
It is noteworthy that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded construction work of Shimla Byepass to different construction companies.
Notification issued by the District Magistrate (DC Shimla) reveals that work has been stopped due to land subsidence at Bhattakuffar under the Four-Laning Project of NH – 05 (Shimla Bye Pass Package – II) and on the basis of report submitted by the Assistant State Geologist who has observed that substantial cavity has developed on the road, accompanied by fractured rock mess, persistent seepage, exposure of utilities and structural cracks in several adjoining residential houses.
The report further notes that the alignment of affected stretches and the possible influence of excavation activities cannot be ruled out at this stage.
A source privy to the situation said, “It has exposed the un-professional conduct of the construction companies and their sub-contractors engaged in the construction work and NHAI has turned blind eye towards unscientific methods being applied by the contractors which ultimately led the District Administration to withdraw the blasting permission till further orders.”
Local people are also demanding, “The NHAI must investigate the matter and streamline the work by initiating necessary steps by ensuring timely payment of salary and wages of staff and workmen and due money to vendors.”
“At least three workmen had lost lives due to unsafe conditions of work during construction of a bridge near Kaithlighat in February 2025 and the NHAI should take measures for safety of the workers and also sek help of geological experts to rectify the current issues,” they add.
No NHAI official was available for his comment in this regard.
