Building resilient roads: Himachal’s long-term strategy against monsoon destruction

SHIMLA 21 Feb 2026

Government approves ‘New Drainage Policy’ for Roads

Himachal Pradesh has long relied on its extensive road network as the backbone of connectivity across its mountainous terrain. From remote villages to bustling district headquarters, roads are the lifeline of mobility, trade, tourism and essential public services. Strengthening and safeguarding this network is vital not only for economic progress but also for the safety and well-being of its people. In this spirit, the State Government has formulated a comprehensive ‘Road Drainage Policy’ aimed at ushering in a new era of resilient and sustainable road infrastructure under the guidance of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The Spokesperson of the State Government stated here today that the policy has been conceived to address the recurring damage inflicted on the state’s roads by intense monsoon rains. Himachal Pradesh maintains over 40,000 kilometers of road network comprising Major District Roads (MDRs) and Other District Roads (ODRs), including rural link and village roads, under the Public Works Department (PWD). Field observations and post-monsoon assessments have consistently demonstrated that inadequate drainage provisions are the primary cause of repeated road deterioration.

In 2023 and 2025 alone, the state incurred estimated losses of nearly Rs. 2400 crore and Rs. 3000 crore, respectively, due to extensive road damage. Technical evaluations further revealed that insufficient drainage systems, coupled with slope instability, were the key factors behind such recurring destruction. Beyond major disaster-driven events, substantial annual expenditure continues to be incurred on repairing monsoon-related damage across both urban and rural roads.