Govt looks for cost-effective probe measures for hill roads

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is looking at a comprehensive set of matrices to identify slope vulnerabilities and cost-effective remedial measures to reduce the impact of rising cases of landslides and slope destabilisation in hilly areas where national highways have been constructed.

- DHRUVAKSH SAHA

The ministry had formed a six-member technical expert committee across academia, policymakers, and industry to suggest the matrices going forward. It has now sought stakeholder comments on the framework put forward by the panel.

"Expansion of national highways in hill roads having a mountainous/steep terrain involving a lot of hill cutting has resulted in landslides and destabilisation of slopes, which are mitigated and protected using various methodology suggested in different guidelines," the ministry said in its circular.