The Himachal Pradesh High Court has recently expressed its concern and displeasure regarding the slow progress of slope protection work on the Chandigarh-Shimla National Highway. This highway is a vital route that frequently experiences disruptions and dangers to commuters due to landslides.

During a recent court session, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) submitted an affidavit informing the court about the progress of the slope protection work. The affidavit stated that, of the 41 identified locations along the 21-km Solan-Kaithlighat stretch, slope protection measures have been completed at only nine sites, while work is ongoing at the remaining 32 locations. NHAI also reported that a total of 42 locations along the highway require protection measures, with 28 already completed and the remaining works scheduled to be finished by March 16, 2026.

The High Court bench, recalling previous directives, pointed out that NHAI had previously claimed to have completed slope protection at 17 sites and mentioned the existence of seven diversions between Solan and Kaithlighat. The court expressed a lack of clarity on whether these diversions have been reduced.

The court emphasized its dissatisfaction with the pace of progress, stating that "Despite sufficient time and leverage already having been given, progress remains unsatisfactory". The court also highlighted that debris continues to fall from unprotected stretches and noted an incident where installed protective netting had collapsed along with the slope material.

The Chandigarh-Shimla highway is a crucial and busy route in Himachal Pradesh that has been repeatedly closed due to landslides caused by monsoon rains. The High Court has been actively monitoring NHAI's compliance and progress in addressing these issues.

In related developments, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has also ordered the temporary suspension of toll collection at the Sanwara Toll Plaza in Solan from September 20 to October 30. This decision was made in response to the deteriorating condition of the Parwanoo-Shimla stretch of the highway, which has faced significant public criticism. The court questioned the justification for collecting toll charges when the highway is in such poor condition. The Solan Deputy Commissioner has been directed to provide support to NHAI for urgent repairs and to assess law and order concerns arising from the road's condition.

The court's intervention occurred during a period when Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe monsoon-related destruction, with numerous roads blocked due to landslides and flooding. The Public Works Department has been instructed to begin immediate repair and restoration work on the Kaithlighat to Shimla section, which has been particularly affected by monsoon damage.

In June 2025, traffic movement was disrupted at the landslide-prone Chakki Mod on the Kalka-Shimla NH-5 due to a landslide caused by heavy rain. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) worked to restore vehicular movement, but the incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by landslides in the region.