Following repeated representations to the Centre, the Himachal Pradesh government had secured major sanction for National Highway-154A.
The Centre has approved Rs 93,55,59,489 for the special repair of embankments at vulnerable locations on NH-154A.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh said the state had been consistently pursuing the matter due to repeated damage caused to the highway during the monsoon. He said losses were assessed after the monsoon disaster in Chamba district.
Singh stated that he personally visited the affected areas and, after discussions with the local administration and concerned authorities, the issue was taken up with the government of India for the immediate release of financial assistance.
The state government repeatedly highlighted the need for strengthening embankments because of frequent landslides, erosion and risks to commuters, he maintained.
“The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued technical and administrative approval after examining the detailed proposal submitted by the Public Works Department. The project will be executed under close monitoring to avoid delays and cost overruns for special repair of embankments at vulnerable locations on the Chakki-Banikhet-Chamba-Bharmaur road in the Chamba district,” he said.
Vikramaditya Singh said the work plan includes 30 percent completion in 2025–26, full physical completion in 2026–27, followed by structured maintenance up to 2031–32. This phasing aims to ensure long-term protection of vulnerable stretches and enhance the durability of the highway.
He added that such long-term maintenance approval is a significant step secured after persistent representation by the state government.
He said NH-154A is a crucial route for tourism, trade, and daily connectivity for local residents, and strengthening its embankments will help reduce road closures and disruptions during heavy rains.
The state repeatedly stressed that frequent slippages on the highway not only posed risks to commuters but also affected essential services and economic activities, he added.
He said the sanction will strengthen the state’s efforts toward improved road safety and disaster preparedness.
“The government remains committed to securing similar approvals for other vulnerable stretches on national highways to ensure smooth movement across the hill state,” he said.
The Minister said the Regional Officer of the Ministry posted in Shimla will act as the Drawing and Disbursing Officer for the project, and the work will be carried out as per the technical note issued by the Ministry. He reaffirmed that the State Government is continuously working to upgrade road infrastructure and that its persistent follow-up has resulted in major sanctions from the Centre, including approval for NH-154A.