Shimla - PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh said  the bailey bridge would be ready in a week time to restore traffic following closure of National Highway (NH5) near Theog town that has led to  hardships for travelers heading to the upper Shimla areas.  

CPM has sought to put extra police force and committee that will oversee the smooth movement of traffic till Bailey Bridge is placed there.   

On the other, Vikramaditya Singh also said he has taken up the  completion of Theog Bypass on a war footing with the Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who assured extra funds for the Bypass.

The tender has been called and work would begin soon.  Singh along with the former Theog MLA Rakesh Singha inspected the  landslide spot after the locals staged protest at the site shouting slogans against the NHAI.People have expressed their anger over the slow pace of work on Theog Bypass and blocked culverts on the Fagu-Theog stretch leading to the landslide due to sippage of water.    

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has voiced deep concern over the situation and is urging the government to take immediate action to restore the vital road connection.

CPM leader Sanjay Chauhan said closure of NH5, resulting from a landslide, has disrupted traffic flow to Theog, Rampur, Chopal, Kotkhai, Jubbal, Rohru in Shimla district, as well as Nirmand and Aani  and to  Kinnaur district

This disruption has come at a critical time, as the fruit season has commenced in these areas, with apple harvesting set to begin in low altitude regions within the next 20 to 25 days.

The restoration of NH5 is crucial not only for the economic well-being of farmers and orchard owners but also from a strategic standpoint, as it is the sole road connecting the border regions.

To address this pressing issue, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is demanding that the government expedite repair work on NH5 and promptly construct a Bailey Bridge in Theog with the assistance of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) and the Central Government.

In order to mitigate the impact on transportation during the apple season, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is also urging the government to accelerate the long-pending construction of the Theog bypass.

Completion of this alternative route by August, before the apple season begins, would provide a viable transportation option and alleviate the strain caused by the closure of NH5, Chauhan said.

To ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize congestion on alternative routes, the party is calling for the establishment of a committee, overseen by a responsible senior officer, to coordinate efforts across all relevant departments.

This committee would be tasked with implementing necessary measures to streamline traffic and facilitate the movement of vehicles on these alternative routes.

The highway need additional police personnel to maintain order and efficiency in the alternative traffic system.

CPM  appeals to the public to cooperate with all stakeholders in order to ensure the smooth operation of the alternative traffic system, considering the challenges posed by the closure of NH5.