NHAI to Implement Nailing Technique and Concrete Barriers on Kalka-Shimla NH-5 to Prevent Landslides

Kalka-Shimla National Highway-5 near Chakki Mod will now implement the nailing technique to prevent landslides from the nearby hillside. On August 12, a technical team from NHAI will arrive at the site to conduct soil investigation. If the soil analysis confirms stability, the nailing technique will be employed to construct a wall on the mountain. Additionally, work to install concrete barriers on the lower side of the road will commence as soon as the weather permits.

The team is confident that both tasks can be carried out simultaneously and aims to complete them promptly. For assessing the feasibility of implementing the nailing technique and preparing a detailed report, the team includes experts from IIT Hamirpur, IIT Roorkee, and retired NHAI officials, among several senior officers from the state government.

The nailing technique involves constructing walls with reinforced concrete and bolts in the soil. Cement, iron, and other materials are used in the process, providing a strong grip to the soil and reducing the risk of it sliding down from the mountain. This method has previously been used successfully in other locations on the Kalka-Shimla NH, such as the Solan Bypass and Dharampur, to prevent landslides.

At Chakki Mod, the nailing technique will be employed to curb the risk of landslides from the adjacent hillside, while concrete barriers will be placed on the lower side of the road. The technical team will arrive on August 12 to assess the site and prepare a report. Subsequently, the construction work will commence accordingly. – Anand Dahia, Project Director, NHAI