HC asks company MD to explain when Kiratpur-Manali highway will be completed

Shimla: Taking note of the prolonged delay in the completion of the Kiratpur-Nerchowk-Manali highway project, the Himachal Pradesh high court has summoned the managing director of the concessionaire company to explain the time by when it would be completed.A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi observed that people heading for Manali had been facing hardship for more than five years due to the incomplete and damaged stretches of the highway. The court noted that despite multiple settlement agreements and repeated extensions, the concessionaire failed to adhere to timelines fixed under the agreement signed in Aug 2017. The original completion date of the project was Sept 2021. The court was hearing two PILs related to the condition and delayed execution of different portions of National Highway 21. During the proceedings, affidavits were filed by officials of the state public works department (PWD), Mandi district administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). According to the affidavit filed by the superintending engineer, the road stretch between Deod and Hanogi Pul, and another stretch from Hanogi Pul to Dawada were being maintained by the state PWD after receiving repair funds from NHAI. The court was informed that parts of the road were badly damaged during the unprecedented rainfall in July, Aug and Sept 2025. Though temporary restoration, metalling and tarring work was completed, the court noted from photographs placed on record that several patches still could not be considered fully roadworthy. The court was informed that permanent restoration costing nearly Rs 5.9 crore was underway, but only about Rs 2.7 crore was released by NHAI. The court was apprised that around 70% of the work was completed, including construction of six retaining walls, and efforts were being made to complete the remaining work before the onset of monsoon. The Mandi deputy commissioner also submitted an affidavit regarding the Sundernagar bypass stretch where culverts were allegedly blocked by locals using stones and mud to protect adjoining fields. The obstruction has now been removed and drainage channels restored. The district administration stressed the need for regular inspection of culverts and roadside drains before the upcoming monsoon season. The court also examined the status of tunnel works under the project. While the concessionaire claimed that several twin tunnels and bridge works were completed and operationalised, the NHAI disputed the claims and sought time to file a detailed counter affidavit. The matter has now been posted for further hearing on June 22.