NHAI on the Dock: Former Manager Jailed in DA Case, Allegations Mount Across Himachal
SHIMLA/JODHPUR | July 16, 2025
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has found itself under increasing public and legal scrutiny, with its credibility taking a major hit both in the courtrooms and on the ground.
In a landmark judgment, the Special CBI Court in Jodhpur sentenced Surender Kumar Soni, the former Manager (Technical) of NHAI Chittorgarh, to four years of rigorous imprisonment for amassing disproportionate assets.
The court also slapped a hefty fine of ₹41.65 lakh, concluding that Soni had wealth 116% beyond his known sources of income.
The case, registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in July 2013, culminated in conviction on July 14, 2025, marking a significant victory in the fight against corruption within infrastructure agencies. The charge sheet had been filed back in December 2014.
But this courtroom victory has done little to calm the storm brewing in Himachal Pradesh, where NHAI and its contractors — particularly Gawar Construction Company — are facing serious allegations of negligence and collusion.
Recently in Bhattakufer near Shimla, a house collapsed after reckless slope-cutting allegedly carried out by the NHAI contractor.
Locals say the construction activity ignored safety norms and endangered lives. Similar grievances are being echoed across Mandi and Kangra, where furious residents have accused NHAI officials and contractors of working hand-in-glove — compromising environmental safeguards and risking public safety.
“The way these hills are being cut without proper planning is a disaster in the making,” said a local activist in Kangra. “This isn’t development, this is devastation.”
As public anger mounts and courts start tightening the noose around tainted officials, all eyes are now on NHAI’s top brass. Will accountability travel beyond the mid-level managers? Or will the rot continue unchecked?
One thing is certain: NHAI’s reputation is rapidly skidding off track.
#CBI #NHAI #Corruption #HimachalLandslides #GawarConstruction #DisproportionateAssets #ShimlaCollapse
