Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Tuesday said that the Public Works Department has formulated a comprehensive Draft Road Drainage Policy aimed at preventing recurring damage to Himachal Pradesh’s road infrastructure caused by intense monsoon rains. The draft policy, prepared after detailed technical assessments, has been approved for placement before the upcoming Cabinet meeting for final endorsement.
Addressing the issue, the Minister said that the policy marks a decisive shift from the long-standing cycle of monsoon-related damage and temporary repairs. He emphasized that the government is committed to developing climate-resilient roads through scientific planning, strong enforcement mechanisms and dedicated funding, ensuring safe and all-weather connectivity across the state.
Highlighting the scale of the problem, the Minister said that recent monsoon seasons have severely impacted road connectivity in Himachal Pradesh. The state incurred estimated losses of nearly ₹2,400 crore in 2023 and ₹3,000 crore in 2025 due to extensive road damage. Technical evaluations revealed that inadequate drainage systems, coupled with slope instability, were the primary causes of repeated road failures.
Describing the policy as a landmark reform, Vikramaditya Singh said it reflects the government’s clear vision to strengthen road infrastructure and move away from decades of stopgap repairs. He added that the policy would ensure scientific road construction, dedicated funding and strict enforcement, thereby safeguarding the state’s lifeline roads and reducing hardships faced by commuters, farmers, students and tourists.
Under the proposed framework, drainage structures will be designed based on hydrological data, including actual rainfall intensity and catchment characteristics, rather than standard templates. The policy also emphasizes modern drainage systems that allow mechanical cleaning and minimize choking, along with mandatory hillside protection measures in landslide-prone and seepage zones. Provisions have been made to prevent water seepage into road foundations through proper treatment of road shoulders adjoining drainage systems.
The Minister further informed that a dedicated budget head has been proposed to ensure sustained implementation of the policy, with funding separate from routine road maintenance. Strict enforcement provisions under the Road Infrastructure Protection Act have also been included to prevent unauthorized discharge of sewage and solid waste into road drains.
The Road Drainage Policy will be implemented in a phased manner, with priority given to Major District Roads, particularly in economically and strategically important regions. The Minister said the policy offers a long-term structural solution to monsoon-related road damage and will significantly enhance the safety, resilience and lifespan of Himachal Pradesh’s road network.
