Shimla’s Ridge ground set for a secure and spacious future with advanced stabilization efforts
Shimla’s iconic Ridge ground, long under threat of sinking, is undergoing a major transformation to ensure its safety and stability for the future. The Public Works Department, in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation, is spearheading a Rs 68 crore project aimed at securing the Ridge using advanced Self Drilling Anchors (SDA) technology. This crucial work, expected to be completed by December, not only focuses on stabilizing the ground but also aims to expand the Ridge by 11 meters, creating additional space for both visitors and future developments.
Launched under the Smart City Mission in 2021, this project is an ambitious attempt to safeguard the Ridge’s delicate terrain. Over 1,000 piles—iron pipes reinforced with rods and filled with concrete—are being installed along the mountain’s sides to provide stability and prevent future landslides. To further secure the site, SDA fasteners are being used to anchor rods deep into the mountain’s structure, creating a solid foundation capable of withstanding shifts in the soil.
The use of SDA technology is particularly suited to Shimla’s challenging landscape, as it allows for precise insertion of rods into the mountain. This system is essential for stabilizing the Ridge, which has been a source of concern for years due to its susceptibility to subsidence and potential collapse.
As part of this project, a new viewpoint will be constructed, offering tourists a panoramic view of the city, much like the popular Padmadev Complex. Once complete, the expanded and more secure Ridge will not only serve as a safe haven for visitors but will also host a new complex for commercial and recreational purposes.
The Municipal Corporation has already submitted a proposal to the State Heritage Committee for approval, detailing the plans for this new complex. The lower floors will be dedicated to commercial establishments, while the upper levels will provide entertainment spaces for children.
With this stabilization project nearing completion, Shimla’s Ridge ground is set to become a safer, more spacious, and vibrant hub. This effort will ensure the preservation of its historical importance while making it a more enjoyable space for future generations.
Himachal now requires heliports and Airstrips for cheap inter district travel , tourism and evacuation to hospitals of critical patients . All hospitals must have helicopter landing facilities on roofs or near by grounds with trained staff availble during landings and take offs .Every 30-50 kms a civil miltary heliport must be built and every 150-200 a airstrip built for civil miltary use .