Neglected Rajban-Chhaccheti road poses threat to safety of residents
The Rajban-Chhaccheti road, a crucial link to the remote Dhartidhar area of Sirmaur district, has deteriorated severely over the past few years, raising serious safety concerns among local residents. The road, already fragile, suffered further damage during a cloudburst last year, leading to the collapse of bridges and portions of the road. While temporary repairs were made to the bridges, most of the 14-km stretch remains in a state of disrepair, particularly hazardous for two-wheeler riders, with numerous reports of accidents due to skidding on the crumbling road surface.
The road connects several key villages, including Malgi, Saddi, Sara, Chhaccheti, and Kando, and is frequently used by state-run HRTC buses and private vehicles. However, its current condition—with potholes, loose gravel, and dangerously steep inclines, particularly near Saddi—has made it nearly impassable for both public and private transport. The situation is particularly dire for motorcyclists, who are most vulnerable to the dangerous road conditions.
Local residents have been voicing their frustrations, calling on the Himachal Pradesh Government, the local administration, and the Public Works Department (PWD) to prioritise the road’s restoration. They claim the road has been neglected for years, with only temporary repairs carried out after each monsoon, leaving the road increasingly vulnerable to further damage. Although emergency fixes were made after last year’s cloudburst, large portions of the roadbed remain damaged, making it extremely difficult for even the smallest vehicles to pass.
The poor road conditions have disrupted essential services in the region. Private buses have ceased operations since the monsoon last year, leaving residents with limited transportation options. Only a single HRTC bus now services the area, but its reliability is questionable due to the precarious state of the road. The hazardous conditions have also affected local teachers, government employees, and healthcare workers who serve the villages along this route. Many have sought transfers to other areas, unable to endure the daily challenges of commuting on such a dangerous road.
“The road has been neglected for years. Every monsoon, it gets worse, and nothing more than temporary fixes are done. Teachers and government employees are moving out because of the road, and we are left to fend for ourselves,” expressed a frustrated resident, highlighting the desperation felt by the local community.
A PWD official acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, stating that repairs have been prioritized and an estimate for the work is being prepared. He emphasized that the Rajban to Chhaccheti road is considered a key access route for the Dhartidhar area, and comprehensive repairs are planned to ensure safe and reliable connectivity for residents.
Despite these reassurances, the local community remains skeptical, having seen similar promises go unfulfilled in the past. They are urging the government to allocate a proper budget for permanent restoration, rather than relying on temporary fixes that fail to withstand the monsoon season.
