Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Shimla Residents Allege Tunnel Blasting Caused Cracks; NHAI Denies Claims
People living in Shimla say new cracks have appeared in their homes.
They believe the cracks may be linked to construction of two highway tunnels nearby.
Some residents suspect loud nighttime blasting damaged the ground and buildings.
Officials from the National Highways Authority of India say blasting was not being done at the affected location.
They say blasting at another part of the project stopped in November 2025.
Tunnel work has been temporarily stopped while the problem is studied.
Workers have started repairing some cracks and installed equipment to watch for ground movement.
Government officials inspected eight buildings.
The Geological Survey of India is also investigating what caused the damage.
Residents in Shimla’s Cemetery area say cracks appeared in house foundations, walls and retaining structures during twin-tunnel construction.
The National Highways Authority of India temporarily halted tunnelling after complaints and began repairs, including grouting and crack sealing.
Residents and a local councillor allege that blasting, including at night, caused the damage.
NHAI officials deny blasting at the affected site and say blasting there has been suspended since November 2025.
Administrative officials and the Geological Survey of India are assessing eight affected buildings and investigating the cracks’ cause.
- Who
- Residents of Shimla’s Cemetery area, the National Highways Authority of India, construction companies, local administrators and the Geological Survey of India.
- What
- Residents reported cracks in homes and retaining walls during twin-tunnel construction; tunnelling was temporarily stopped while the cause is investigated.
- When
- Residents said many cracks appeared within the last fortnight or within a week; officials said blasting at the affected site has been suspended since November 2025.
- Where
- The Cemetery area of Shanti Vihar, Sanjauli, Shimla, along the Kalka-Shimla National Highway bypass.
- Why
- Residents suspect blasting or tunnelling caused the cracks, while NHAI denies blasting at the affected site and says the exact cause remains unconfirmed.
Residents’ concerns
NHAI and contractors’ position
Cause of the cracks
Residents’ concerns
Residents and a local councillor believe blasting or tunnelling caused cracks in homes and retaining walls, citing loud noises and the timing of the damage.
NHAI and contractors’ position
NHAI officials deny blasting at the affected site and say the exact cause of the cracks has not yet been established.
Blasting activity
Residents’ concerns
Residents allege that blasting occurred during tunnel construction, including between approximately 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.
NHAI and contractors’ position
NHAI says blasting at the site has been suspended since November 2025 and that no district-administration permission exists for blasting in that twin-tunnel section. A contractor said controlled blasting had occurred at another section near Chalonthi but was later stopped.
Response to the damage
Residents’ concerns
Residents say they remain concerned that repairs may not provide a permanent solution and have sought investigation and accountability.
NHAI and contractors’ position
NHAI and contractors have started repairs and installed Geodetic Reflective Targets and Ground Settlement Markers to monitor possible land, house and hill movement.
- Project
- Twin tunnels on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway bypass
- Affected area
- Cemetery locality in Shanti Vihar, Sanjauli, Shimla
- Reported damage
- Cracks in foundations, retaining walls and walls of residential buildings
- Work status
- Tunnelling was temporarily halted following residents’ complaints
- Buildings inspected
- Eight buildings were assessed by an administrative team
- Repairs
- Grouting, crack sealing and other measures have begun
- Investigation
- The Geological Survey of India visited the site to assess possible causes