The Himachal Pradesh Assembly, on Friday, witnessed discussion during question hour on the problems people are facing while commuting through roads under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania issued a key ruling, saying questions related to NHAI projects will be entertained in the House only when officials of the authority are present, as the body does not fall under the state government’s jurisdiction.
He added that he would hold consultations with the chief minister and NHAI officials before a final decision is taken.
Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh informed the Assembly that he had already written to the Assembly Secretariat on the matter. Since questions relating to the NHAI are raised frequently, information has to be sought directly from the authority, and whatever details are then received is placed before the House.
He admitted that several difficulties have surfaced during four-lane construction, including landslides and law-and-order concerns, and urged the Speaker to take an appropriate decision.
Replying to queries from MLAs Pawan Kumar Kajal (BJP) and Kewal Singh Pathania (Congress) the Minister said that the survey for the proposed Rajol–Thanpuri four-lane was carried out in July 2025 by DPR consultants M/s Feedback Infra Pvt Ltd and Kosta Engineers Pvt Ltd as a joint venture. Work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is in progress.
Revised alignment options were sent to the competent authority for approval on July 4, 2025, and the proposal is currently under consideration. Information related to the route will be shared once approval is received.
Vikramaditya Singh further said that details of gram panchayats and existing roads likely to be affected
proposed Rajol–Thanpuri four-lane will also be provided only after the competent authority’s clearance. He added that the proposed expansion of Gaggal Airport, which overlaps with Package-2B of the approved route, has contributed to delays in the project.
The minister also revealed that a total of 178 complaints have been received regarding damage to assets beyond the Right of Way (ROW) during construction of the Sihwan–Rajol four-lane under Shahpur constituency.
“These complaints relate to retaining walls, kuhls, culverts, and drains. Of these, 28 complaints have already been resolved, while the rest will be addressed soon,” he added.
The discussion highlighted both administrative and public concerns over the role of NHAI in the state. While legislators expressed frustration at delays and damages during highway projects, the Speaker made it clear that accountability can only be ensured with the direct presence of NHAI officials in the House.