Residents flag blasting, cracks in houses, NHAI denies claims

In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, residents have complained of blasting and cracks in their houses during the construction of twin tunnels on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway bypass. The tunnels pass beneath a densely populated Cemetery locality. The project by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was temporarily halted due to resident complaints.

A 65-year-old retired professor noticed cracks in retaining walls and foundations over the past two weeks. Another resident, requesting anonymity, expressed concern over the financial loss due to the damaged house. Another resident, 60-year-old Parshotma Devi, reported cracks appearing in all walls within a week. A councillor mentioned numerous complaints of blasting between 2:30 am and 4:30 am.

The NHAI denied all claims of blasting, stating that blasting was suspended since November 2025 and required district administration approval. The Project Manager of the construction company said controlled blasting occurred at another section of the project until November 2025. The NHAI and Bharat Construction (India) Pvt Ltd have started repairing the cracks using grouting, crack sealing, and other measures.

A team from the Geological Survey of India is assessing the situation. The Deputy Commissioner of Shimla has instructed NHAI and its concessionaires to stop the tunnelling work, pending an assessment of the cracks' cause. Residents demand a high-level inquiry to prevent potential catastrophic consequences.