Major Landslide Disrupts NH-44 in Himachal Pradesh: What You Need to Know

A massive landslide early this morning blocked a significant stretch of National Highway 44 (NH-44) near Koti in the Shimla district, halting traffic in both directions and stranding dozens of vehicles. According to the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD), an estimated 200 meters of the hillside gave way around 4:30 AM IST, sending boulders and debris onto the roadway (Himachal PWD, press release) and triggering emergency response protocols.

Key Details at a Glance

• Location: NH-44, Koti–Shimla stretch, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh
• Time of Incident: June 23, 2025, approximately 4:30 AM IST
• Extent of Blockage: ~200 m of highway buried under earth and rock
• Casualties: No fatalities reported; 3 minor injuries
• Agencies Responding: Himachal Pradesh PWD, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), NHIAI rescue teams

“We’re Mobilizing All Available Resources”

In an exclusive interview, Mr. R. K. Gupta, Chief Engineer of the Himachal PWD, emphasized the urgency of the situation:

“Our first priority is to ensure the safety of all motorists. Clearance work is ongoing with heavy earth-moving machinery, and we expect a partial reopening by this evening,” he said (Himachal PWD press statement).

Expert Insight: Why This Happened

According to Dr. Neeraj Sharma, a geotechnical engineer at IIT Mandi, landslides in this region are often precipitated by a combination of factors:

1. Prolonged Monsoon Rains: Above-average precipitation this June saturated slopes, weakening soil cohesion (IMD data).
2. Steep Terrain & Seismic Activity: The Shivalik foothills’ geology, coupled with minor tremors last week, likely destabilized the slope (GSI report).
3. Road-Cut Slopes: Excavation for highway expansion can undercut natural supports, increasing failure risk if not properly reinforced.

“We’ve observed a 15% uptick in slope failures along NH-44 since 2022,” notes Dr. Sharma, citing a peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Mountain Science (2024)¹.

Impact on Communities & Commerce

• Local Commuters: Residents of Koti, Kharapathar, and surrounding villages face delays of 6–8 hours as buses and private vehicles queue up.
• Freight Transport: NH-44 is a lifeline for apple freight from Shimla to Delhi; per the Ministry of Road Transport, roughly 1,000 tonnes of produce move daily along this corridor. Disruptions could push up prices by 5–7% in Delhi markets over the next 2–3 days.
• Tourism: With the summer holiday season underway, tour operators warn of cancellations if the highway remains blocked beyond today.

5 Key Takeaways for Drivers

1. Avoid the Affected Stretch: The PWD has diverted traffic via NH-307 → NH-303, adding approximately 60 km to the journey.
2. Monitor Updates: Follow @HimachalPWD on Twitter or check the NHIAI website for live status.
3. Emergency Services: Call 1077 (State Emergency Helpline) if stranded.
4. Prepare for Delays: Carry water, snacks, and extra fuel if traveling today.
5. Alternative Travel: Consider train services to Kalka or rail-plus-road options via Solan.

Daily Digest: Ongoing Updates

(Updated continuously—check back for the latest)

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What Happens Next?

• Full Clearance Timeline: The PWD aims to restore two-way traffic by midnight.
• Preventive Measures: Installation of rock-fall netting north of Koti is scheduled in July under NHIAI’s slope stabilization program.
• Long-Term Solutions: Experts recommend bio-engineering techniques—like grass-root matting and terracing—to reinforce slopes and reduce future risks.