Residents Demand Immediate Repair of NH-305 Amid Deteriorating Road Conditions
Frustrated by years of neglect, residents, business owners, and commuters along National Highway 305 (NH-305) have issued a stern demand letter to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Himachal Pradesh government, urging immediate action to address the highway’s dangerous condition.
The NH-305 Struggle Committee, representing locals, tourism operators, and taxi drivers, submitted the letter to the Sub-Divisional Officer of NHAI in Banjar, highlighting the severe state of the highway, which connects Jalori to Aut and serves as a critical link between NH-3 and NH-5.
Key Concerns Raised
- Extreme Road Deterioration – The highway has not been upgraded in two decades, leading to multiple accident-prone zones. Over the past ten years, hundreds of lives have been lost in fatal crashes attributed to the road’s poor condition.
- Delayed and Incomplete Work – Legal and administrative delays have stalled construction, forcing commuters to endure frequent traffic disruptions and unsafe travel conditions.
- Unrepaired Monsoon Damage (2023) – Landslides during the 2023 monsoon season caused massive damage, yet no significant repairs have been made, raising suspicions of corruption.
- Economic and Tourism Losses – The Seraj Valley, a growing tourist hotspot, has seen a sharp decline in visitors due to the highway’s condition, severely impacting local businesses.
Public Demands
The committee has put forward several urgent demands:
✔ Immediate resurfacing of the entire stretch before the next tourist season.
✔ Expedited land acquisition for widening and repair work.
✔ Debris removal and construction of retaining walls in landslide-prone areas.
✔ Regular maintenance and strict monitoring by a dedicated committee, including a member from the NH-305 Struggle Committee.
Threat of Protests
Expressing deep frustration, the committee warned that continued government inaction could lead to public protests, strikes, and roadblocks.
“The people of Seraj feel betrayed. Despite repeated appeals, no concrete steps have been taken. If the authorities fail to act now, we will have no choice but to take to the streets,” the letter stated.
Copies Sent to Key Officials
The demand letter has also been forwarded to:
- Himachal Pradesh’s Minister of Public Works (accused of failing to act on past assurances)
- Chief Engineer (NH), HP PWD
- District Magistrate and Police Officials (Kullu & Banjar)
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Shimla Office)
What’s Next?
With the 2025 tourist season approaching, residents hope for swift intervention. However, if the government fails to respond, large-scale demonstrations could escalate, putting further pressure on authorities.
For now, all eyes are on the NHAI and state government to see if they will finally address this long-standing crisis.
