NHAI strengthens monitoring of vulnerable, accident-prone stretches in Himachal

Shimla, July 2 (PTI) National Highway Authority Of India (NHAI) has undertaken comprehensive measures to ensure safe, smooth and uninterrupted traffic movement on national highways in Himachal Pradesh during monsoon.

Vulnerable locations prone to landslides, slope failures, debris accumulation, flooding and other monsoon-related hazards have been identified, and preventive measures have been implemented on priority, NHAI said in a statement issued here on Thursday.

The NHAI has carried out detailed surveys of vulnerable and landslide-prone stretches across the national highway network in the state. Based on these assessments, remedial works have been taken up at identified locations, the statement said.

Engineering interventions including hill

protection works, slope stabilisation, retaining walls, improved drainage systems, anti-erosion measures and other safety works have been executed to enhance the resilience of highway infrastructure and minimise the impact of adverse weather conditions, it added.

According to officials, special attention has been given to locations that were severely affected during previous monsoon seasons. Along with immediate preventive measures, NHAI has also planned permanent mitigation solutions, including construction of bridges, protective structures and other critical infrastructure, to ensure long-term stability of these stretches.

Recognising the challenging geographical terrain of the region, NHAI has strengthened monitoring and emergency response mechanism to minimise disruptions and facilitate early restoration of traffic movement in case of any unforeseen incident, the statement said.

Adequate machinery, technical experts, field personnel and emergency response equipment have been strategically deployed at vulnerable locations statewide, it said.

NHAI is also working in close coordination with the district administrations, police, disaster management authorities and other concerned agencies to ensure prompt response and effective management of any emergency situation.

In case of emergencies — accidents, landslides, road blockages or other incidents on national highways — road users may contact the NHAI National Highway Helpline 1033, local police, district administration or the concerned project control room for immediate assistance, the statement added. PTI BPL ARB ARB