Landslide Scare on Dhalli–Sanjauli Bypass Revives Safety Concerns Over Shimla’s Vulnerable Route
Commuters on the busy Dhalli–Sanjauli bypass had a frightening escape after a fresh landslide sent boulders and debris crashing onto the road, forcing traffic to come to a standstill in both directions. The sudden incident created panic among motorists as rocks and loose earth tumbled down from the hillside, leaving little time for people to react.
According to reports, a portion of the slope gave way unexpectedly, sending stones and debris rolling towards the carriageway. Several vehicles were passing through the stretch when the landslide occurred, and some drivers narrowly avoided being hit by the falling material. Within minutes, large amounts of mud, rocks and boulders covered the road, blocking movement completely.
The incident once again exposed the vulnerability of the Dhalli–Sanjauli bypass, a key route connecting Shimla with Kufri, Naldehra, Narkanda and several upper hill destinations. For thousands of daily commuters and tourists, the road remains an important alternate corridor, but recurring landslides have increasingly raised concerns about safety.
The latest landslide is not the first such event on this stretch. In June this year, a major slope collapse had similarly shut down traffic after mud, rocks and uprooted deodar trees overwhelmed the roadway. Repeated incidents have led residents and commuters to question the long-term stability of the hillside.
Many locals believe that extensive hill cutting, excavation and growing construction activity in the area may be contributing to the problem by weakening natural slopes. However, experts say the exact cause of the latest collapse can only be determined after a detailed technical assessment.
The bypass corridor has already been at the centre of several geotechnical concerns. Earlier this year, cracks appeared in residential buildings near Sanjauli following tunnelling work linked to the Chalaunthi bypass project, prompting precautionary evacuations. More recently, residents have expressed reservations about a proposed tunnel alignment through the area, calling for an independent study to assess its impact on an already sensitive landscape.
The recurring slope failures have renewed calls for stronger slope stabilisation measures, improved drainage systems and continuous monitoring of vulnerable stretches along the bypass. For commuters, the greatest fear remains the unpredictability of such incidents. Unlike visible cracks or gradual road damage, falling rocks and debris can strike without warning, posing a serious threat to motorists.
As authorities clear the affected road and assess the latest damage, the incident serves as another reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safeguards along one of Shimla’s most travelled yet vulnerable road corridors.
