States » NorthPosted at: Sep 27 2026 8:49PM


Himachal shifts focus to safer, sustainable and technology-driven road infrastructure

Shimla, September 27 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh government is shifting its focus from merely expanding the road network to ensuring safer, more durable and technology-driven infrastructure, with emphasis on drainage, preventive maintenance, digital monitoring and road safety.
A government spokesperson said on Sunday that the road connectivity remains critical in the predominantly mountainous state, linking remote villages with markets, hospitals, schools and other essential services while supporting agriculture, horticulture, industry and forestry.
"As of August 31, 2026, Himachal Pradesh has 41,903 km of motorable roads connecting 15,608 census villages. Given the difficult terrain and vulnerability to landslides and water-related damage, the government has approved a Road Drainage Policy in February this year," he said, addingthat the policy seeks to integrate proper drainage into road planning and construction, with drainage systems designed according to rainfall patterns and local conditions.
Special attention will be given to areas vulnerable to landslides and water seepage, besides measures to prevent misuse or blockage of road drains, official said.
The government has also notified guidelines for jeepable and ambulance link roads, prescribing common standards for road width, pavement, drainage, retaining and breast walls, slope protection and road safety.
The move is aimed at improving connectivity to remote communities and ensuring more dependable access to healthcare, markets and other essential services.
Protecting existing road infrastructure has also emerged as a key priority. The Himachal Pradesh Road Infrastructure Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed by the state Assembly in September, provides for digital and geo-coordinated mapping of road infrastructure and seeks to strengthen enforcement and facilitate faster restoration of damaged road assets, he said, adding that technology is also being incorporated into road management.
"A centralised Road Status Information System is being planned to provide information on road closures, restoration work and connectivity, particularly during the monsoon and other disasters.
The Works and Accounts Management Information System (WAMIS) is being introduced to bring measurements, billing and other works and accounts-related activities onto a common digital platform. The system is expected to streamline management of public works and improve access to information," he said.
Road safety has been given separate emphasis through the Road Safety Audit Policy approved in July 2026.
The policy provides for safety audits at different stages of road projects to identify and rectify safety deficiencies during design and construction, as well as on existing roads.
A dedicated Road Safety Cell is also being established at the Public Works Department headquarters, said the spokesperson.
At the maintenance level, a Standard Operating Procedure for patchwork provides uniform guidelines for repairing potholes and damaged road surfaces, including specifications for materials, methods and timelines. The state is also testing newer technologies, including Cement Grouted Bituminous Macadam for stretches affected by drainage problems and CEMECO Technopatch-EX for patch repairs during the monsoon.
The government is further exploring underground multi-utility ducts for carrying water, electricity and telecommunication services through common corridors. The proposed system could reduce repeated digging and cutting of roads for utility work, helping protect road surfaces and minimise inconvenience to commuters. These measures mark a shift towards planned and preventive management of the state's extensive road network, with the government seeking to improve durability, safety and year-round connectivity in difficult mountain conditions, said the official.
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Tags: #Himachal shifts focus to safer# sustainable and technology-driven road infrastructure
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