Sanjauli-Simitry Tunnel Damage: Administration Finalises Repair and Safety Action Plan

Shimla, September 21, 2026: The district administration has finalised an action plan to address cracks and other damage reported in houses located above the under-construction underground tunnel in the Sanjauli-Simitry area.

A meeting chaired by Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap was held on Monday to review the concerns of residents in the affected area and discuss measures for their resolution.

It was decided that officials of the Revenue Department would identify houses requiring repairs. The construction company will subsequently prepare a repair roadmap, while Public Works Department (PWD) officials will inspect the quality and completion of the repair work. The work will be finalised only after verification and approval by the PWD to ensure the safety and satisfaction of affected residents.

The administration has also decided to inspect and document houses located across the approximately 100-metre area above the twin tunnels to assess any potential damage associated with the tunnel construction. The assessment will be carried out in three sections—houses above the two 11-metre tunnel sections, those above the 20-metre area between the tunnels, and houses within 30 metres on either side of the twin tunnels.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) informed the meeting that no blasting is currently being carried out for the tunnel construction. However, the permission for blasting earlier granted by the district administration to the construction company has been suspended with immediate effect.

IIT Roorkee Expert Team to Assess Cracks

The administration has requested IIT Roorkee to send an expert team for a scientific and technical assessment of the cracks. The team will inspect the affected houses, identify the possible causes of the cracks and suggest necessary precautions and safety measures for the further construction of the tunnel.

Officials from the district administration, NHAI, construction companies and other departments attended the meeting.

The district administration has been continuously monitoring the affected area since receiving information about the cracks. An ADM- and SDM-led team had earlier visited the spot and inspected the affected houses. On Monday, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Shimla Superintendent of Police, ADM (Protocol), SDM Shimla Rural and other officials also visited the area and interacted with residents to understand their concerns.

The Deputy Commissioner assured residents that the administration was treating the matter seriously and would take all necessary measures to safeguard affected people and their property. He said the condition of the affected houses would continue to be monitored and appropriate action would be taken as required.