Baddi Nalagarh Highway Repair Delay Sparks Transport Unrest
Baddi’s industrial heartland is on the brink of disruption as transport unions and local industries have issued a 10-day ultimatum for the urgent repair of the Pinjore–Baddi–Nalagarh National Highway-105. Widely regarded as the lifeline of the state’s industrial belt, the stretch has deteriorated into a muddy, potholed track that is crippling mobility, slowing trade, and fuelling anger among commuters.
The 16-kilometre drive between Baddi and Nalagarh, which should ordinarily take 20 minutes, now stretches to nearly two hours due to waterlogged potholes and damaged surfaces. With monsoon rains worsening the condition, traffic snarls lasting hours have become routine, paralysing the flow of goods and workforce between factories and markets. Transport operators warn that if repairs are not initiated immediately, they will have no option but to stage protests, including hunger strikes.
Industry representatives have already submitted a memorandum to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, highlighting the urgency of the issue. Officials say that while the highway was approved for four-laning, work has come to a standstill after the previous contractor withdrew and the fresh tender process stalled. This has left residents, businesses and transporters stranded in a limbo, despite the industrial belt contributing crores in taxes annually.
Transport unions complain that the deteriorating road is inflicting heavy financial losses. Truck operators report frequent vehicle breakdowns due to poor road conditions, while bus operators face rising maintenance costs and declining passenger trust. Taxi associations argue that road taxes should be waived until the surface is restored, pointing out that they are forced to operate on what they describe as a “substandard and unsafe” highway. Beyond immediate business losses, the highway’s collapse raises larger concerns about urban sustainability and regional development. Baddi and Nalagarh are among the state’s most critical industrial hubs, hosting pharmaceutical, textile, and FMCG units that depend on reliable logistics. Experts argue that neglecting this corridor not only disrupts supply chains but also undermines India’s broader goals of building resilient and climate-smart infrastructure.
The episode underscores a paradox often seen in rapidly industrialising regions: industries flourish, yet basic infrastructure fails to keep pace. With more freight movement expected as industrial activity scales up, sustainable highway development with climate-resilient designs is essential. Road experts insist that green construction practices, efficient drainage, and durable surfacing must be prioritised to prevent recurring damage during monsoons. As of now, silence from the authorities has deepened frustration. Locals and investors await clarity on the tendering process, while transport unions prepare for agitation. Whether policymakers step in to salvage this vital corridor will decide not only the fate of Baddi’s economy but also the credibility of infrastructure governance in the region.
