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Monsoon Causes ₹1,444 Crore Loss to PWD: Minister
Shimla, Updated At : 09:33 AM Aug 28, 2025 IST
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh said today that the Public Works Department (PWD) has suffered losses amounting to ₹1,444.56 crore during the ongoing monsoon season, with damages worth ₹158 crore reported in just the past three days.
Making a statement in the Assembly on the condition of roads and infrastructure across the state, the minister said, “A total of 5,667.72 km of roads have been damaged this monsoon, along with 34.04 km of national highways and 70 bridges.”
He added that in the last three days alone, 1,091 roads have been affected and seven bridges have collapsed. To restore traffic movement, 912 machines—including JCBs, bulldozers, and robots—have been deployed. “We are working in coordination with NHAI, but in vulnerable stretches, frequent landslides are disrupting road connectivity. It is concerning that the journey between Kullu and Mandi is now taking up to 12 hours, causing severe losses to farmers, fruit growers, and floriculturists,” he noted.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, Singh said that in view of repeated blockages on the Pandoh–Kullu stretch, two alternate routes via Chail Chowk and Kataula are being widened, for which NHAI has provided ₹9 crore and ₹11 crore respectively. “Our priority is not only to ensure the safety of tourists but also to safeguard the interests of local residents. At present, the Raisson Bridge is the only link connecting Kullu with Manali,” he added.
The minister further informed that the PWD has suffered losses of around ₹30 crore each in Kullu and Kangra districts. In Chamba, damages have been pegged at ₹25 crore, with 234 roads currently blocked.
