Thousands of daily commuters travelling on the 7-km old Kangra-Samela stretch of the Kangra-Shimla highway up to the old tunnel are facing inconvenience due to its poor condition. This badly maintained road stretch is full of potholes and has become a death trap. Local residents and motorists allege that ever since the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) changed the alignment of the highway, the old road stretch had been completely neglected. Though residents, office-goers, school vehicles and transport operators frequently use this road, it has not been properly repaired or maintained for a long time.
Kangra MLA Pawan Kumar Kajal says that Rs 11 crore has been sanctioned for the re-carpeting of this road stretch but the NHAI is yet to start the repair work. The damaged road stretch is riddled with deep potholes, uneven surfaces and broken edges, making driving extremely difficult, particularly during night hours and rainfall. Daily commuters say that vehicles often suffer damage while bikers remain at constant risk of accidents due to the poor road condition.
Residents of nearby villages are upset over the alleged apathy of the authorities concerned and say that several minor accidents have already taken place on this road stretch because drivers are forced to manoeuvre around large potholes. They fear that if immediate repair work is not undertaken, a major mishap can occur anytime.
Locals say that though several public complaints have been submitted, the NHAI has neither repaired the road nor transferred it to the state Public Works Department (PWD) for maintenance. As a result, the road continues to remain in a state of neglect with no one taking responsibility for its upkeep.
Commuters complain that the situation worsens during the monsoon season when rainwater fills potholes, making it difficult for drivers to judge the depth of the damaged portions. Heavy vehicles and buses also face difficulties crossing some sections of the road due to its uneven surface.
Local residents and social organisations have urged the district administration and the state government to direct the NHAI to undertake urgent repair work. They have also demanded that if the road stretch is no longer under active control of the NHAI, it should be formally handed over to the state PWD so that its regular maintenance and repair can be ensured.
