A year after the first landslide struck the Kwarab stretch of the Haldwani–Almora National Highway (NH-109), the situation has grown worse. Cracks have now appeared in the newly built bridge, increasing fears of a serious mishap.
Regular landslides and erosion caused by the Suyal river have made the highway unsafe, despite several assurances given by the government. For over 20 days, heavy vehicles have not been allowed on the stretch. Traffic is being diverted through Ranikhet, which increases travel time by hours. Even small vehicles often face trouble because of frequent landslides.
The National Highways Authority has cleared slope treatment work on both sides of the road at a cost of nearly Rs 40 crore. However, the work is moving slowly, particularly during the monsoon season.
Commuters and local residents are becoming increasingly worried. “For the past year, landslides have been happening regularly at Kwarab, but no lasting solution has been given,” said Chandan Joshi, who often travels between Haldwani and Almora.
Local resident Devendra Bisht warned that the condition is getting worse. “Cracks have developed in the supporting walls of the bridge, its plumbs are splitting, and the road has sunk. A major accident might happen anytime,” he said.
NH executive engineer Ashok Kumar Choudhary has assured people that technical experts have already inspected the site and that the treatment work will be finished soon.
Also Read: U’khand govt suspends DRDA chief over paper leak
Follow us
