Shimla: As peak summer footfall begins to build in Shimla, the ongoing utility duct project along the iconic Mall Road is turning into a daily ordeal for both residents and tourists. Clouds of dust, roaring trucks and relentless JCB movement have reduced the town’s pride stretch into a chaotic construction corridor.
Locals allege that water sprinkling—meant to control dust—is carried out selectively during VVIP movements, while the public is left to inhale pollution through the day.
Amid growing discomfort and criticism, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stepped in, setting strict deadlines for the project.
Reviewing the works, he directed the Public Works Department to complete tarring of the ducts up to Shimla Club by May 10 and extend it up to the Lift area by June 15, aiming to ease pedestrian movement before tourist pressure peaks.
The ambitious Rs. 145 crore project spans nearly seven kilometres—from Chhota Shimla to Willy’s Park—covering key stretches via Secretariat, Lok Bhawan, Oak Over, Lower Bazaar and CTO. Once completed, it promises to tuck away overhead Bijli and water lines into underground ducts, potentially transforming the city’s skyline and improving its visual appeal.
Defending the project’s long-term value, Sukhu said Shimla must shed its clutter of overhead wires to maintain its tag as the “Queen of Hills” and enhance tourist experience.
Meanwhile, residents hope that deadlines are not just announced—but actually met— and Shimla’s summer charm is somewhat maintained by controlling dust.
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