Dust, cracks & fear: Locals suffer as Pathankot-Mandi four-lane work falters

The ongoing construction of the four-lane highway between Pathankot and Mandi — divided into multiple phases — has turned into a nightmare for villagers, shopkeepers and daily commuters. Construction companies working on the project have failed to adhere to norms set by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), leaving several stretches, culverts and parts of the road half-finished and dangerously exposed.

Vertical hill cuttings, done without proper engineering safeguards, have severely endangered homes located near the highway. Many houses in Mandi and Kangra districts have developed cracks, prompting growing concern among locals — especially with the monsoon season approaching. Despite repeated complaints from affected residents, construction companies remain indifferent, forcing people to spend sleepless nights fearing landslides and structural damage.

A recent visit to several affected areas in Mandi and Kangra revealed more issues. Locals raised the alarm over the unchecked dust pollution caused by construction. Companies seldom spray water to control the dust, which settles inside homes and shops, triggering respiratory problems and eye irritation among residents. Villagers reported that their repeated pleas for regular water spraying have gone unheard. With rising temperatures in summer, the situation has worsened, especially for the elderly and children.

Residents have brought the matter to the attention of local authorities, including SDMs and Deputy Commissioners. Several meetings between NHAI officials and local representatives have taken place, but villagers say no concrete action has followed. While they are not against the four-lane project itself, they insist construction companies must follow guidelines and take necessary precautions to avoid harming local lives and property. A key demand remains the urgent completion of retaining walls to protect houses along the vulnerable hillside before the onset of heavy rains.

The 220-km Pathankot-Mandi highway is divided into five construction packages and will eventually feature five tunnels and four high-rise bridges. It is designed to bypass key towns like Nurpur, Gaggal, Kangra, Nagrota Bagwan, Maranda, Palampur, Baijnath, Paprola and Joginder Nagar. Upon completion, the highway is expected to reduce travel time between Pathankot and Mandi by nearly four hours, cut fuel usage and improve road safety due to reduced curves. However, for the residents currently living amidst chaos, the promised benefits remain a distant hope clouded by dust, disruption and uncertainty.

Himachal Tribune