The unkempt Rajban-Chhaccheti road poses a threat to the 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, creating serious security concerns among local residents. The already fragile road suffered further damage during a cloudburst last year, which caused bridges and parts of the road to collapse. Although temporary repairs were made to the bridges, most of the 14 km stretch remains in a poor state, particularly dangerous for two-wheelers, with numerous reports of accidents due to skids on the road surface sunken

The road connects several key villages including Malgi, Saddi, Sara, Chhaccheti and Kando and is frequently used by state HRTC buses and private vehicles. However, its current condition, with potholes, loose gravel and dangerously steep slopes, especially near Saddi, has made it almost impassable for both public and private transport. The situation is particularly dire for motorcyclists, who are the most vulnerable to dangerous road conditions.

Local residents have expressed their frustrations, asking the Himachal Pradesh government, the local administration and the Public Works Department (PWD) to prioritize the restoration of the road. They claim the road has been abandoned for years, with only temporary repairs made 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 very difficult for even the smallest vehicles to pass.

Poor road conditions have disrupted essential services in the region. Private buses have stopped operating since last year’s monsoon, leaving residents with limited transport options. Now only a single HRTC bus serves the area, but its reliability is questionable due to the precarious condition of the road. The dangerous conditions have also affected local teachers, government employees and health workers serving the villages along this route. Many have sought transfers to other areas, unable to withstand the daily challenges of traveling along such a dangerous road.

“The road has been neglected for years. Every monsoon, it gets worse and nothing but temporary solutions are done. Teachers and government employees are moving out because of the road, and we have to fend for ourselves,” expressed a frustrated resident, highlighting the desperation felt by the local community.

A PWD official acknowledged the seriousness of the problem, stating that repairs have been prioritized and a budget 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 assurances, the local community remains skeptical, as similar promises have been broken in the past. They are calling on the government to allocate an adequate budget for permanent restoration, rather than relying on temporary solutions that cannot withstand the monsoon season.