The Shimla district administration has ordered an immediate halt to all construction on the twin tube tunnel under National Highway-05 after a large depression surfaced on the Mehli–Dhali Road and structural cracks appeared in several nearby homes. The decision follows growing safety concerns triggered by the recent landslide at Bhattakufar.
District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap has written to the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), instructing that all excavation, blasting and related activities under the Shimla Bypass Package-II be stopped without delay. The blasting permit issued to Gawar, Shimla Highway Private Ltd has also been temporarily withdrawn pending further review.
A preliminary inspection by the Geological Branch found significant ground instability in the affected area. The report confirms the formation of a large depression on the Mehli–Dhali Road, cracks in the rock mass, persistent leakage and exposure of utilities. Several surrounding residential structures have also developed cracks, raising concerns about the safety of the settlement.
Officials noted that the alignment of the under-construction twin tube tunnel runs directly beneath the impacted zone, and the possibility that excavation activity contributed to the instability “cannot be ruled out,” according to the report.
In light of these findings, the administration has called for a detailed geotechnical and geophysical investigation by a specialised agency such as the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to pinpoint the exact cause of the subsidence and landslide activity.
Citing risks to public safety and nearby residential buildings, Kashyap said all tunnelling, blasting and excavation works at Bhattakufar will remain suspended until expert assessments are completed and further orders are issued.
News source: The Tribune
