Shimla: The worsening condition of the crucial four-lane highway between Parwanoo and Shimla has triggered sharp criticism after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently increased toll charges at the Sanwara Toll Plaza even as commuters continue to face risky and frustrating travel conditions.
In a strongly worded communication addressed to the Engineer-in-Charge of NHAI in Shimla, environmental activist and urban policy expert Tikender Singh Panwar has demanded immediate withdrawal of the enhanced toll charges and urgent maintenance of the highway stretch.
Panwar, a former Deputy Mayor of Shimla and currently engaged in national and international projects on building resilient cities, said the Parwanoo–Kethlighat four-lane road remains in a “pathetic condition” despite carrying massive tourist and local traffic between Himachal Pradesh and the plains.
“The NHAI has failed to maintain the Parwanoo to Kethlighat four-lane road. Because of unscientific construction methods and poor upkeep, lives of commuters travelling on this stretch are being put at risk,” Panwar wrote in his letter.
He pointed out that commuters frequently face traffic bottlenecks as one of the lanes on the highway often remains non-functional due to repair works, landslides or incomplete construction.
Panwar questioned the logic behind increasing toll charges when the highway itself remains poorly maintained.
“Despite the poor condition of the road, the toll tax at Sanwara has been increased to ₹110 for cars and proportionately for other vehicles. There is no justification for enhancing the toll when commuters are not even getting a properly maintained road,” he said.
Raising a larger environmental concern, Panwar accused NHAI of ignoring the fragile ecology of the Shivalik Hills while constructing the four-lane highway.
According to him, the project has followed a “copy-paste model of the plains” without respecting the geography, ecology and aesthetics of the Himalayan region.
“The current highway design shows no respect for mountain ecology. The natural tree line has been destroyed along the stretch and the hydrology of the region has been disturbed, worsening the micro-climate,” Panwar said.
He added that road infrastructure in the Himalayas should be designed in a way that preserves tree cover and protects natural drainage systems.
Demanding accountability, Panwar urged NHAI to immediately improve maintenance of the highway and withdraw the enhanced toll charges.
“The NHAI cannot function as a body that is not answerable to the people. Public infrastructure must remain accountable to citizens who are paying for it,” he said.
