Dharamshala, April 10
The Public Works Department (PWD) has made a third attempt to find a contractor to rebuild a key culvert on the Sudher–Akhankhola road, after earlier tenders failed to attract any bidders. The structure has fallen into serious disrepair, with local villagers propping it up using iron girders as a temporary measure to avert collapse. The damage has worsened over three successive monsoon seasons, leaving the crossing increasingly unsafe.
The route serves as a vital “lifeline” for the Shahpur region, acting as the primary shortcut for travelers and school buses heading toward McLeod Ganj. Its strategic importance was underscored during recent heavy landslides when the main Dharamshala bypass was blocked, forcing all traffic from Pathankot onto this narrow mountain passage. While the PWD has successfully completed 60% of the surrounding road stabilization, including retaining walls and wire crates, the failing culvert remains a dangerous bottleneck and a constant threat to public safety.
With the next monsoon season approaching, government officials have secured emergency funding under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) to address the “drastic sinking” of the roadway. Sharing the details about the development, Chief Engineer(PWD), Vikas Sood, said that the department has initiated the process to recall the tender and emphasized the urgency of starting work before the rains return. He said that hopefully this time, the department will finally attract a contractor to rebuild a key culvert on the Sudher–Akhankhola roadsecure the crossing before a major accident occurs.
