New drainage policy to strengthen state’s road infrastructure: PWD Minister

Shimla, Feb 03, 2026

Public Works Minister (HPPWD) Vikramaditya Singh today here informed that PWD has formulated a new comprehensive Draft Road Drainage Policy to address the recurring damage to the state’s road infrastructure caused by intense monsoon rains. He informed that the policy was prepared after detailed technical assessment by the department, has been approved for placement before the forthcoming Cabinet meeting for final endorsement.
He said that recent monsoon seasons have posed unprecedented challenges to road connectivity across Himachal Pradesh. In the years 2023 and 2025 alone, the state suffered estimated losses of nearly Rs. 2,400 crore and Rs. 3,000 crore respectively due to extensive road damage. Technical evaluations conducted by the department revealed that inadequate drainage systems, combined with slope instability, were the primary factors behind repeated road failures.
He said that the new policy marks a decisive shift from reactive repair-based practices to preventive and scientific road management. Drainage has been recognized as a core engineering component of road construction and maintenance, rather than a supplementary feature, ensuring long-term durability of road assets.
PWD Minister said that under the proposed framework, drainage structures would be designed on the basis of hydrological data, including actual rainfall intensity and catchment characteristics, instead of standardized templates. The policy also emphasises the use of modern drainage infrastructure that allows effective mechanical cleaning and reduces choking, while strengthening hillside protection through mandatory preventive measures in landslide-prone and seepage zones. Measures have also been incorporated to prevent water ingress into road foundations by ensuring proper treatment of road shoulders adjoining drainage systems.
Vikramaditya Singh further informed that to ensure sustained implementation, a dedicated budget head titled “Road Drainage” under Major Head 5054 has been proposed, enabling independent funding separate from routine road maintenance. The policy also provides for strict enforcement under the Road Infrastructure Protection Act to prevent unauthorized discharge of sewage and solid waste into road drains. He said that the Drainage Policy would be implemented in a phased manner, with priority being given to Major District Roads to ensure reliable, all-weather connectivity, particularly for economically and strategically important regions of the state.
The Minister said that this policy represents a long-term structural solution to monsoon-related road damage and would significantly enhance the safety, resilience and lifespan of road network in state.