SHIMLA: After facing public outcry over the delays  and corruption and ecological damage,     Shimla-Kalka four-lane highway has come out with a bit of good news for critics.  NHAI today achieved a breakthrough by linking the two ends of the Shunglu tunnel on the Dhalli-Kaithlighat tunnel.  

 Promised by the Modi government, significant investment and effort were put into this project. Yet, even after ten years, progress has been sluggish. However, recent developments have brought a glimmer of hope.

The Dhalli-Kaithlighat stretch of the Shimla-Kalka four-lane project is set to be completed by December 2026. This segment has notably saved over 35,000 trees by constructing more than 10 bridges. Once finished, it will reduce travel time by 2.5 hours, easing the journey.

Environmental and Structural Achievements

One of the project’s highlights is the Shunglu Tunnel, where the breakthrough was recently achieved. This tunnel alone has saved 5,000 trees and protected 5,030 hill cuttings, emphasizing the project's environmental consciousness.

The complete project includes nine more tunnels, promising substantial ecological benefits by the time it is finished.

 Massive Infrastructure Undertakings

NHAI’s GM Massid shared that the project involves constructing bridges with towering pillars, some as high as 210 meters, equivalent to the height of three Qutub Minars.

These bridges and tunnels collectively aim to save travel time and reduce the distance by 15 kilometers, conserving two to three liters of fuel per journey and cutting down city pollution.

Safety and Modern Standards

Safety measures have been meticulously implemented. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) conducted safety audits, ensuring adherence to international norms.

Regular audits by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) also guarantee the project's geological safety. This proactive approach aims to prevent issues like landslides, enhancing overall safety for travelers, NHAI claimed.

Public Outrage Over Shimla-Kalka Four-Lane Highway

Despite these advancements, public sentiment remains skeptical. People question the long delays and the persistent issues with government machinery, which they believe is marred by corruption and inefficiency.

Recently locals around the highway raised hue cry over the illegal dumping by the NHAI contractors in the Dhalli-Kaithlighat stretch that pose hazards to their lands and houses in the face of the rains.  

They cited the 2023 trails of landslides and caving  in of the retaining walls  triggered by rains that exposed the poor                   quality of construction of the NHAI's contractors. The highway remained blocked for many days last year hitting transportation and tourism industry badly. 

There’s a strong call for bringing the  private contractors to book and even FIR was lodged by the activists against NHAI for its failure to ensure quality control to ensure accountability and efficiency.

The message is clear: no more mockery in the name of development; real and concrete steps are necessary.

The government must address these concerns promptly to restore public trust and deliver on its promises.