Cracks appeared on the floors and walls of at least seven buildings in the residential area adjacent to the cemetery in the Shanti Vihar ward in Sanjauli area of Shimla, leaving the residents worried about safety.
They said that blasting activities associated with the tunnel construction were suspended in November 2025 and no blasting operations have been undertaken thereafter. Locals report that tunnel excavation involving blasting is being carried out at night, causing cracks to appear in residential houses. Residents have demanded that the DC immediately halt tunnel construction until measures are taken to reinforce the area and address public concerns. “The NHAI is installing equipment in the Shanti Vihar residential area to monitor the vibrations caused by the tunnel construction. NHAI in a statement clarified that all necessary precautions have been undertaken during the project execution in accordance with established engineering practices and in consultation with the concerned residents.
Former Shimla mayor Sanjay Chauhan said that the company constructing the four-lane highway did not consult any local residents before commencing the tunnel work. “The tunnel passes beneath 250 to 300 buildings, and if the work is not halted, these structures will face significant danger,” said Chauhan while demanding immediate compensation for those whose homes have suffered damage. Councilor Vineet Sharma said, “Two four-lane tunnels are being constructed from Bhattakufar to Chalaunthi, and the construction work has now reached the area directly beneath this residential locality.
On Saturday, a district administration team led by ADM (protocol) Gyan Sagar Negi and SDM (rural) Manjeet Sharma visited the site to assess the damage. The equipment was installed within the residential area on Friday, and the locality has been videographed,” councilor Shamra said.
