The construction work of the flyover and underpass coming up under the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project in Zhiri, located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, will continue without any disruption. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has clearly refused to stay the ongoing construction, providing a significant legal clearance for the infrastructure project. The estimated cost of this flyover and underpass project stands at approximately 33 crore rupees.
Court Directives and Security Measures
The ruling was delivered by the bench of Justice Sandeep Sharma during a hearing held on September 10. The court asserted that imposing a stay on crucial infrastructure projects of national importance is not appropriate. Furthermore, the judiciary directed the Mandi district administration and the local police to ensure adequate security personnel are deployed at the site to clear any obstructions hindering the construction work. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for October 15, by which the National Highways Authority of India, district administration, and police must submit their progress reports to the court.
Local Opposition and Demands
A section of local residents in Zhiri has been opposing the construction of the flyover. Protesters argue that the upcoming structure will adversely impact their commercial activities and local businesses. The dispute has intensified locally, with some residents even resorting to hunger strikes to press their demands. The agitating locals want a rotary to be built at the site instead of the planned flyover. Although the National Highways Authority of India had commenced the construction of the flyover cum underpass, it had to be halted due to stiff resistance from the public.
Traffic Management and Safety Concerns
Authorities and proponents of the project point out that the flyover cum underpass is being constructed on only one section of the four-lane highway to streamline traffic movement in the area. In the absence of proper connectivity and transit facilities, commuters have been facing severe difficulties while navigating the four-lane stretch, leading to frequent accidents. This safety and transit crisis prompted the legal battle, resulting in the High Court directing that the work must proceed. Notably, an earlier petition filed to halt the project had also been dismissed by the court.
