The four-laning of a 39km NH-5 stretch, awarded with a 30-month deadline, took over five years to substantially finish and required extensive extra slope-stabilisation after the original design proved inadequate. In August 2022, a large flyover portion on this same stretch collapsed during heavy rain near Solan.
On record
The official record states: "NHAI/contractor cited inadequate original slope stabilisation (1.5-3m walls on 20-30m excavated hill slopes); the 2022 collapse was attributed to heavy rains and landslides."
Filed as "Under repeat repair — cost overrun, arbitration pending, flyover has collapsed once" and dated to Started Sept 2015; due March 2018; finished June 2021; flyover collapsed Aug 12, 2022, this entry sits under the "Original ₹748 crore; crossed ₹1,000 crore (~25-34% overrun), plus ₹123 crore contractor claim pending arbitration" line of the public accounts.
What to expect
- A surface that renegotiates its shape with every monsoon.
- Potholes deep enough to have their own microclimate.
- Freshly laid tar, laid with real optimism.
- A resurfacing crew that will, in time, return.
Sourcing
2 public sources — news reports, RTI replies and civic archives — corroborate this entry. The citation trail is listed below for anyone who would like to follow up with the department concerned.
“The estimate and the expenditure have not been on speaking terms for years.”— Blunderlust Editorial Desk
Sources
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/parwanoo-solan-nh-5-project-cost-crosses-rs-1-000-cr-mark-514008
- https://www.india.com/news/india/watch-chaos-after-massive-portion-of-flyover-collapses-on-shimla-kalka-highway-5568406/
Visitor reviews
“Made the trip after a colleague swore it was worth seeing. The completion certificate is drafted; the completion is not.”
“Went past three times before I was sure I had the right spot. You get the whole story from the chaiwala in about four minutes.”
“Visited with the kids, who found the whole thing hilarious. It is on track, provided you do not look for the track.”