The Himachal Pradesh High Court, in a significant order, allowed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to resume toll collection at the Sanwara toll plaza from November 12 on the condition that essential repair and rectification works are completed within 10 days. The permission will remain subject to compliance with the court’s directives, a bench of Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj said.
The court also ordered the National Highways Authority of India to clear all debris from the gallis and drains along the hillside. It observed that water flowing down the slopes often accumulates on the road surface, causing further damage due to heavy vehicular traffic, and emphasized that maintaining the highway in “its pristine condition” was the responsibility of the NHAI.
The bench passed the orders while hearing two connected public interest litigations — court on its own motion vs NHAI & others and Uttansh Monga vs. State of H.P. & others. The court passed the order on November 3 and a detailed order was released on Thursday.
The court noted that its earlier order dated September 18, 2025, suspending toll collection, had been justified by the poor state of the highway, which was described as being in a “pitiable condition.” It also noted that the NHAI had suffered a revenue loss of Rs 4.53 crore between September 20 and October 31 following the closure of the toll plaza.
The NHAI, through an affidavit, informed the court that a maintenance contract of Rs 15.20 crore for a period of 12 months has been awarded to NH Construction Pvt. Ltd. Out of 42 identified slope protection sites, 30 have been completed, and the remaining work is expected to be finished by March 16, 2026.
Commenting on the affidavit, the bench said, “Six stretches along the initial 39-km were reported to have suffered significant damage, which has since been repaired to a large extent”. The bench, however, also noted that the NHAI has acknowledged a six-year delay in project completion. The work, which was initially scheduled for substantial completion on April 21, 2021, has now been extended with a new appointed date of September 21, 2025. Of the total stretch, 38.259 kilometres are currently open to four-lane traffic, while about 2.3 kilometres remain restricted to two or three lanes because of landslides and slope protection work.
The court pointed out that problems persist at Datyar and Chakki Moud. The order specifically mentions that the road opposite the petrol pump and below Deventure Hotel, as well as areas near the crusher points and Meghdoot Hotel, require immediate attention from NHAI. The court also directed the authority to repair the approach to Kandaghat from the Chandigarh side, describing the nearly one-kilometre stretch as being in a “pitiable condition.”
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Similarly, the Kandaghat market road, a common and congested stretch, was found to be in poor shape. The court directed that it be urgently rectified by the next date of hearing. The bench also warned against hindrance by shopkeepers.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate KD Shreedhar, representing NHAI, apprised the court of certain difficulties being faced in carrying out repairs in the Kandaghat market area due to resistance from local shopkeepers. The bench observed that “such persons cannot hold the maintenance work to ransom” and directed the state government to ensure adequate police assistance to NHAI when the repair work is undertaken. To minimize disruption to commercial activity, the court suggested that the repair work be executed either in the early morning or late at night.
Meanwhile, the bench also directed the state government to complete rectification work at the Boileauganj U-Turn, an important commuter point that connects to the Shimla highway. The Municipal Corporation of Shimla was instructed to take necessary steps to repair and tar the section, as the lack of proper surfacing was leading to air pollution from dust and debris affecting nearby residents and commuters.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on November 11, when the court will review compliance with its directions.
Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting.
Professional Background
Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters.
Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India.
Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025)
His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh:
1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth.
2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025).
3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025)
4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025)
Legal & Agricultural Affairs
"Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned.
"Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
3. Governance & Environment
"Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act.
"Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters.
Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc:
crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023)
Signature Beats
Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs.
X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar
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