Himachal Pradesh High Court Seeks Detailed Report On Delayed Seema Bridge Construction Rohru

Shimla : The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken strong notice of the prolonged delay in completing the crucial Seema bridge project over the Pabbar river in Rohru subdivision of Shimla district. A division bench monitoring public infrastructure projects directed the Public Works Department (PWD) and state authorities to file a comprehensive status report detailing the causes behind the construction deadlock and providing a fixed timeline for completion.

The judicial intervention follows public interest petitions highlighting severe inconvenience faced by local residents, apple growers, and commuters in the upper Shimla region. The strategic Seema bridge serves as a vital transportation link connecting dozens of agrarian villages and apple belts to major market centers. In the absence of a fully operational bridge, local traffic remains dependent on aging temporary structures, posing safety hazards during heavy monsoon rains and peak harvesting seasons.

During the hearing, the court expressed concern over repeated missed deadlines and cost overruns associated with the infrastructure work. The bench questioned executing agencies regarding delays in contractor execution, land acquisition clearances, and fund allocation. Counsel representing the state informed the court that administrative procedures and technical assessments are being expedited to address ongoing bottlenecks.

Fixing the next date of hearing, the High Court directed senior PWD officials to appear or submit a clear action plan ensuring project completion without further deferment. The court emphasized that timely creation of rural road infrastructure is critical for public safety and the regional agrarian economy. Local agricultural bodies and resident associations welcomed the court's strict directives, expressing hope for accelerated execution on the ground.