Roads of Kullu: A tale of two segments — progress & neglect

The Public Works Department (PWD) has finally delivered on a long-standing demand of Kullu town residents — giving the town’s main arterial roads a much-needed facelift. Fresh blacktop has been laid along the crucial Ramshila to Tikra Bauri stretch, dramatically improving the daily commute for motorists, pedestrians and tourists navigating this popular hill station.

After years of crumbling pavement and patchy repairs, the difference is striking. The stretch, previously infamous for its deep potholes and uneven surface, had become a source of constant frustration. Motorists often found themselves navigating tremor-inducing ruts, with two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws bearing the brunt of the damage. “I used to dread driving through this section during the monsoon,” said Suresh Thakur, a local taxi driver. “Now the road feels brand new and my customers actually thank me for a smoother ride.”

This long-overdue roadwork was made possible by dedicated funding from the state government for urban road improvements in the current financial year. Under the supervision of PWD Assistant Engineer Vivek Gautam, crews worked to lay fresh bituminous concrete on multiple high-traffic segments. These included the main Ramshila-Tikra Bauri stretch, the roadside ditch near the MRF site in Sarwari and the heavily used corridor between Bhootnath Bridge and the Kullu bus stand.

“Each section came with its own engineering challenges,” explained Gautam. “From stabilising weak sub-grades near the MRF plant to ensuring proper drainage systems, our team worked day and night to finish before the monsoon returned.”

The improved surface near the bus stand has brought particular relief to commercial drivers and public transport users. Buses now glide through without the bone-jarring jolts that once rattled frames and passengers alike. Pedestrians, too, no longer have to navigate muddy craters or risk slipping during rains.

“Earlier, walking this stretch during monsoon felt like crossing a swamp,” said Anjali, a local schoolteacher. “Now, I actually look forward to the walk.” However, not all is smooth sailing yet. A critical segment between the Kullu bus stand and the town centre, which falls under the Kullu Municipal Council’s jurisdiction, remains in deplorable condition. Pitted with gaping holes, the road is a hazard — especially for three-wheelers, some of which have overturned due to axle damage caused by the rough surface. Pedestrians are often forced into traffic lanes to avoid the dangerous patches.

Municipal officials have acknowledged the state of disrepair but attribute delays to budget constraints and procedural bottlenecks. Despite repeated petitions from residents, the road remains untouched, raising safety concerns as the monsoon season looms. Meanwhile, the PWD’s successful resurfacing has sparked a renewed sense of confidence in public infrastructure projects. As praise for the department’s timely execution grows, pressure is now mounting on the Municipal Council to step up and complete the missing link in Kullu’s urban transport grid.

Himachal Tribune