📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sumita Roy Dutta
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Himachal High Court asks NHAI to justify dropping surface road for twin tunnel
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🗓 30 Oct 2026, 01:31 AM
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The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to NHAI seeking an explanation for abandoning the approved surface highway in favor of a twin‑tunnel project.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court issued a formal notice to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) demanding a detailed response on its decision to scrap the previously approved surface highway alignment and pursue a twin‑tunnel alternative.
The order follows a petition that highlighted potential disruptions to local connectivity, environmental concerns, and the financial implications of switching to a tunnel‑based design. NHAI has been instructed to submit its justification, along with any technical and environmental studies, within the time frame set by the court.
The twin‑tunnel project, aimed at easing traffic through the state's rugged terrain, has been under consideration for several years. The court’s intervention reflects the judiciary’s oversight role in large‑scale infrastructure schemes that affect regional development.
Local residents, transport operators and environmental groups are awaiting the authority’s reply, which will shape the final design, cost estimates and implementation schedule of the highway network in Himachal Pradesh.
The order follows a petition that highlighted potential disruptions to local connectivity, environmental concerns, and the financial implications of switching to a tunnel‑based design. NHAI has been instructed to submit its justification, along with any technical and environmental studies, within the time frame set by the court.
The twin‑tunnel project, aimed at easing traffic through the state's rugged terrain, has been under consideration for several years. The court’s intervention reflects the judiciary’s oversight role in large‑scale infrastructure schemes that affect regional development.
Local residents, transport operators and environmental groups are awaiting the authority’s reply, which will shape the final design, cost estimates and implementation schedule of the highway network in Himachal Pradesh.