Rising Bitumen Prices Slow Road Repairs Across Himachal Pradesh
Road repair and tarring work across Himachal Pradesh has slowed down significantly this season, as a sharp rise in bitumen prices has created fresh hurdles for the Public Works Department (PWD). The cost escalation has affected road projects across the state, with many contractors reportedly staying away from tenders due to fears of mounting losses.
As per departmental data, the price of bitumen has surged to nearly ₹82 per kilogram—almost double the ₹42 per kilogram rate recorded last year. This sudden spike has widened the gap between approved project costs and actual expenses, making several road works financially unviable for contractors.
Traditionally, summer marks a busy period for road tarring and maintenance across the state. This year, however, rising raw material prices have severely slowed the pace of repair and resurfacing works. Contractors are reluctant to take up new projects, citing uncertainty and the risk of losses if prices continue to climb.
The slowdown has only compounded the problems faced by commuters, particularly in areas where roads are already in poor shape. In many rural parts of the state, roads have deteriorated due to delayed maintenance, leading to potholes, broken surfaces and difficult travel conditions. Residents say poor road connectivity is affecting daily life, access to services and transportation of goods.
Even Shimla city has not been spared. Several roads within the state capital continue to suffer from damaged patches and potholes, causing inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians alike. The poor condition of roads has emerged as a recurring concern, especially after months of stalled maintenance work.
The PWD is now struggling to complete improvement projects within set timelines, raising concerns for the state government. Reliable road connectivity is especially crucial in hill regions like Himachal Pradesh, where transportation, tourism and supply of essential commodities heavily depend on well-maintained roads.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh said the issue has been discussed extensively with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He added that the matter of rising bitumen prices has also been taken up with the Central Government.
According to the minister, a proposal has been sent to the Centre seeking special measures to regulate bitumen prices and provide relief to states facing difficulties in executing road projects. The state government hopes timely intervention will ease cost pressures and help stalled road maintenance work resume at full pace.
