Munish Sood
Mandi
The worsening condition of National Highway-003 (NH-003), a lifeline for thousands of residents in Mandi district, has drawn urgent attention from the Centre. On Sunday, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta assured locals that immediate steps would be taken to restore the highway, which has been battered by monsoon rains, poor maintenance, and landslides.
The minister, accompanied by former Chief Minister and current Seraj MLA Jai Ram Thakur, held a meeting in Mandi with senior officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), including the Project Director. Representatives from affected Panchayats and local residents presented their grievances in detail.
Highway in Shambles
Once seen as a critical transport corridor, NH-003 today reflects neglect and engineering shortcomings. Over the past few months, heavy rainfall has severely damaged large stretches of the road. The Mandi-Dharampur section has been frequently cut off due to landslides, forcing long detours. In villages like Talyadh, locals say recently laid tarmac came off within days, while erosion near homes and collapsed parapet walls have made daily life unsafe.
Panchayat representatives highlighted issues such as:
• Frequent vehicle breakdowns due to potholes and broken surfaces.
• Increased risk of accidents, particularly for buses, two-wheelers, and school vehicles.
• Damage to private property from water seepage and unstable slopes.
• Absence of proper drainage and protective walls, making houses vulnerable during rains.
Minister’s Assurances
Listening to these concerns, Ajay Tamta promised a detailed review meeting with NHAI officials, with Jai Ram Thakur joining him in Delhi to push for urgent remedial works. Importantly, the minister committed to revisiting Mandi within one month to conduct an on-site inspection of the highway.
“I will personally review the progress and ensure that corrective action is taken without delay,” Tamta said, noting that quality and durability of repairs would be closely monitored.
Jai Ram Thakur, who has been raising the matter in both the Assembly and before the Centre, assured locals that he would continue to pursue the matter until visible improvements are made. “This is not just about connectivity but about the daily lives, safety, and livelihood of our people,” he said.
The Larger Context
NH-003 is not the only road in distress. Himachal Pradesh has faced recurring road infrastructure crises, particularly during the monsoon. In 2022, nearly 48% of all accidents in the state occurred on national highways, despite these roads making up only 6% of the total road length. That year, 2,597 accidents were recorded, of which 1,258 were on national highways, causing 443 deaths.
While state data shows some improvement in 2023 and 2024, poor road conditions remain a critical factor in fatalities. Experts say that unless roads are built with better drainage, stronger retaining walls, and stricter quality controls, problems will persist.
NH-003, running through steep mountain terrain, is particularly vulnerable. In recent years, locals have repeatedly accused contractors of using substandard materials and leaving works incomplete. The issue has sparked protests, with villagers surrounding NHAI inspection teams in July this year, demanding accountability for shoddy repairs.
Residents Express Guarded Hope
For villagers and commuters who depend on the highway for access to schools, markets, hospitals, and workplaces, the meeting offered some relief. They welcomed the minister’s assurance but stressed the urgency of actual results.
“We have heard promises before, but the condition of the road keeps getting worse,” said one Panchayat representative. “If the Centre truly inspects the site and holds contractors accountable, maybe we will see lasting change.”
Local sentiment, however, remains cautiously optimistic. The presence of both a Union Minister and a senior state leader was seen as a strong signal that the grievances of Mandi are finally reaching the national level.
The Road Ahead
Residents and experts agree on what must happen next:
• Immediate stabilization of landslide-prone zones.
• Re-laying of road surface with proper compaction and drainage.
• Protective works like parapet and retaining walls.
• Transparent monitoring of contractors and work quality.
• Regular maintenance schedules, especially before monsoon seasons.
As the meeting concluded in a positive atmosphere, locals expressed gratitude to both leaders for their intervention but emphasized that action, not words, would rebuild trust. For Mandi’s people, who have lived for months with dangerous and unreliable connectivity, the coming weeks will reveal whether the Centre’s promises bring real relief.
