2 publishers · first seen Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:06 UTC
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to suspend construction of the twin-tube tunnel near Chalauthi, Sanjauli and Bhatta Kufar under Package No. 2 of the Shimla Bypass project, citing risks to residential houses and a lack of justification for abandoning the original surface highway plan. The court asked NHAI to explain why it proceeded with the tunnel despite having acquired land and disbursed Rs 600 crore in compensation for the surface highway, which displaced 88 families.
The court noted a Geological Survey of India (GSI) advisory against tunnelling due to safety concerns, including a minimum cover of only 14 metres between the tunnel and surface structures near the cemetery and Vishal Mega Mart. It also raised concerns over water seepage and structural damage to at least 16 buildings, with NHAI confirming work had been suspended since September 18 pending an IIT Roorkee safety report.
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