Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh : Drainage policy to strengthen Himachal’s road infrastructure, says Vikramaditya Singh
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Tuesday said the Public Works Department (PWD) has formulated a comprehensive Draft Road Drainage Policy aimed at preventing recurring damage to the state’s road network caused by intense monsoon rainfall.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Tuesday said the Public Works Department (PWD) has formulated a comprehensive Draft Road Drainage Policy aimed at preventing recurring damage to the state’s road network caused by intense monsoon rainfall.
He said the policy has been prepared following a detailed technical assessment by the department and has been approved for placement before the upcoming Cabinet meeting for final clearance.
Calling roads the “lifeline of the state”, the minister emphasised that the initiative goes beyond conventional drainage measures and focuses on long-term resilience.
“This drainage policy is not just about drains. It is about protecting roads which are the lifeline of the state. We are putting an end to the old cycle of ‘damage and repair’ every monsoon. Our government is committed to building climate-resilient roads with scientific planning, strict enforcement and dedicated funding so that people get safe, all-weather connectivity in every region of the state,” Singh said.
Highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather, he noted that recent monsoon seasons had posed unprecedented challenges to road connectivity across Himachal Pradesh.
According to official estimates, the state suffered losses of nearly ₹2,400 crore in 2023 and ₹3,000 crore in 2025 due to extensive road damage. Technical evaluations by the department found that inadequate drainage systems and slope instability were the primary causes behind repeated road failures.
The proposed policy aims to introduce scientific drainage planning, improved water flow management and preventive engineering measures to reduce monsoon-related destruction and ensure durable road infrastructure across the hill state.
