Himachal HC Raps NHAI Over Delays On Shimla Highway Project

12 Nov 2025 CW Team

The Himachal Pradesh High Court, comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj, has strongly criticised the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for prolonged delays and inadequate maintenance in the Parwanoo–Solan–Kaithlighat–Shimla four-laning project.

The Bench was hearing Court on its Own Motion vs. NHAI & Ors., clubbed with CWPIL No. 45 of 2025 (Uttansh Monga vs. State of H.P. & Ors.), in which Advocate Ganesh Barowalia appeared for the petitioner and assisted the Court in reviewing the road’s current condition and compliance with earlier directives.

The Court noted that, despite NHAI’s claim of “substantial completion”, the project has been delayed by more than six years, leaving several stretches, particularly near Kandaghat, Datyar, and Chakki, in poor and unsafe condition, causing persistent difficulties for motorists and residents.

Directing both the State Government and NHAI to complete all rectification and slope protection works within 10 days, the Bench warned that the restriction on toll collection at the Sanwara Toll Plaza would remain in force until compliance is achieved.

The judges also emphasised that maintenance of roadside drains and removal of debris from hill slopes were vital to preventing further deterioration and landslide-related damage along the route.

Acknowledging the proactive efforts of Advocate Ganesh Barowalia, the Court commended his valuable contribution as Amicus Curiae in ensuring transparency and accountability in highway construction and maintenance across Himachal Pradesh.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on 11 November 2025.

Infrastructure Transport

04 Jun 2026

Delhi Airport to Finalise 20-Year Master Plan

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is finalising a 20-year master plan to guide long term infrastructure and operational development at Indira Gandhi International Airport, an official said. The operator expects the plan to reflect changes in the airline industry, shifts in the competitive landscape and evolving infrastructure requirements across terminals, airside and support services. The official said the document is likely to be ready in the next two to two-and-a-half months as the operator moves through planning stages. The plan will be prepared after consultations with airport users ..

Aadhar Housing Finance Targets Rs 500 bn AUM By FY29

Aadhar Housing Finance has set a target to raise its asset under management to Rs 500 billion (bn) by the end of FY29, aiming to achieve this over the next three financial years through an 18-20 per cent loan growth trajectory. The firm focuses on the low-income segment with a ticket size of less than Rs 1.5 million (mn) and has relied on that segment to drive expansion. The company closed FY26 with an AUM of Rs 305.71 bn, reflecting the expansion in recent years, and it reported a net profit rise of 22 per cent to Rs 11.08 bn. Management indicated that gross non-performing assets stood at 1.0..

Government to Launch Coal Gasification Urea Policy

The government will unveil a coal gasification based policy for urea production within one month, aiming to promote the use of domestic coal feedstock in synthetic fertiliser manufacture. The move seeks to enhance self reliance in fertiliser supply and to provide an alternative route to natural gas based synthesis. Officials said the policy will set out technical standards, permitting norms and incentives for projects that adopt coal gasification technology. It will aim to attract investments from both public sector undertakings and private manufacturers. The scheme will address logistical and..