TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 12 JUNE 2026
Events such as the devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi’s Dharali and Sukhi Top regions last August, which triggered flash floods, slope instability and caused immense damage to both human life and settlements, have brought renewed attention to the challenges facing India’s Himalayan highways. As extreme weather events become more frequent, MoRTH is increasingly turning to advanced technologies to safeguard critical road infrastructure in the country’s most vulnerable terrains. Among these measures is the deployment of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)-based landslide monitoring and early warning systems along a 100-km stretch of the Char Dham route in Uttarakhand, enabling authorities to detect subtle ground movements and identify vulnerable slopes before disaster strikes.
Complementing this effort are plans for an advanced warning and alert system on the Parwanoo-Solan section of NH-5 in Himachal Pradesh to monitor landslides, land sinking, groundwater movement and rockfall-prone zones in real time. Together, these initiatives by the Ministry reflect a broader shift from responding to disasters after they occur to predicting and preventing them, helping build a safer and more resilient highway network across India’s hill states.
Building resilient highways in geologically sensitive regions requires not only engineering expertise but also a deep understanding of the terrain itself. Among the many initiatives, MoRTH has strengthened institutional collaboration with scientific agencies, including signing an MoU with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) for geological investigations of tunnel projects and data sharing for geohazard studies. To enhance the safety and structural integrity of road tunnels, geological maps and National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping prepared by GSI are now being integrated into the planning and alignment survey stages of national highway projects in fragile hilly landscapes.
With nearly 16,788 km of National Highways in India’s hill states out of a total NH network exceeding 1,46,570 km, building infrastructure that is safe, reliable and resilient to natural hazards has become more important than ever. The Himalayan region, one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world, is particularly vulnerable to landslides, rockfalls, flash floods, cloudbursts and other geohazards.
Strengthening Highway Construction Practices
To improve the sustainability of road projects in the hills, MoRTH has introduced several policy reforms. A phased construction approach is now being adopted, wherein construction will take place in stages, with the initial period of about one year to be dedicated solely for the cutting of hill slopes and completion of protection works for stabilization of the slopes. Road construction begins only after slopes demonstrate stability through at least one monsoon season.
Making use of geospatial intelligence for real decision-making, MoRTH has signed MoUs with companies using advanced satellite-based monitoring technologies to detect subtle ground movements long before landslides and slope failure occur. Through periodic and continuous analysis of satellite data, their technology helps provide early warning indicators, support targeted mitigation measures and improve maintenance planning. As part of this, MoRTH is piloting the InSAR technology for landslide monitoring along the Char Dham route in Uttarakhand.
The initiative assumes greater significance considering that mountain highways typically cost between ₹15-30 crore per km to construct. A single moderate landslide can lead to repair costs of ₹10-25 crore and disrupt traffic movement for 2-5 days. By facilitating timely interventions and reducing the likelihood of major slope failures, satellite-based monitoring has the potential to lower maintenance costs, minimise disruptions and enhance the resilience, safety and reliability of National Highways across the country’s landslide-prone hill states.
MoRTH has also introduced a policy on Normative Construction Periods that provides additional time for projects in regions such as the Himalayas, the North-East, the Western Ghats and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Additional Right of Way is also being provided with adequate land being provisioned to facilitate proper slope stabilization and maintenance activities.
Building Resilience Through Strategic Partnerships
Realising that resilient infrastructure requires multidisciplinary expertise, MoRTH has strengthened collaborations with premier institutions including THDC India Limited, Geological Survey of India (GSI), Defence Geo-informatics Research Establishment (DGRE), National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) and IIT Roorkee. These partnerships will help in geotechnical investigations, design reviews, safety audits, capacity building and deployment of innovative technologies. Every collaboration brings India closer to global best practices in mountain infrastructure development.
To strengthen efforts towards landslide mitigation and geohazard management, MoRTH has signed an agreement with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDC) to undertake specialised landslide mitigation works in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, the Ministry has partnered with the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) to provide technical expertise and scientific support for assessing and mitigating geo-hazards along National Highways.
Efforts towards Slope Specific Mitigation Measures
MoRTH has also adopted a scientific, site-specific approach to slope stabilization. Guided by a framework report developed by an Expert Committee led by IIT Delhi, engineers now assess each slope based on its rainfall patterns, groundwater conditions and geological characteristics, before selecting suitable mitigation measures. Since every slope behaves differently, solutions now need to be tailored to specific conditions, depending on whether the slope consists of rock, soil, debris or loose talus material. Advanced technologies such as drones, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) surveys and Digital Terrain Models are thus being used to conduct detailed investigations and identify risks before they escalate into major hazards.
Based on these assessments, a range of engineering and nature-based solutions are being deployed to strengthen vulnerable slopes. Measures such as soil nailing, high-tensile steel wire mesh, prestressed cable anchors, retaining walls and efficient drainage systems help prevent slope failures and rockfalls. New steps are now looking into the critical role of drainage management, as uncontrolled water seepage is one of the primary causes of slope instability. Successful implementations such as the stabilization works at Karnaprayag in Uttarakhand are demonstrating how a combination of terracing, drainage systems, hydroseeding, rock anchors and retaining structures can significantly enhance slope stability.
The IIT report also highlights sustainable solutions, such as the use of bamboo benching and vetiver grass plantations in Meghalaya currently to showcase how locally available materials can provide effective and economical protection for slope protection. Together with regular monitoring and maintenance, these measures are helping create safer, more resilient hill roads.
Advancing Rockfall Protection Standards
For the effectiveness of rockfall mitigation measures on National Highways, MoRTH has developed a comprehensive specification framework aligned with global best practices. The Ministry has proposed standards that mandate internationally recognized certifications, including European Technical Assessment (ETA) certification and CE marking for rockfall protection products. The framework goes beyond product quality by introducing rigorous verification mechanisms such as material quantity conformity checks, barcode-based traceability, manufacturer testing requirements, field validation of installed systems and proof-testing of anchors and rockfall nets. It also looks into long-term performance through warranty provisions, durability standards, supplier involvement for post-installation operation and maintenance requirements.
Implementation in Action
The commitment to stronger hill infrastructure is already delivering results. For instance, in Uttarakhand alone, 58 landslide-prone locations have been treated, 96 sites are currently undergoing mitigation works, while DPR preparation and investigations are underway at 104 additional locations.
In the hill regions, roads serve not merely as a mode of transport but as lifelines connecting communities to essential services and livelihood opportunities. By bringing scientific risk assessment into highway infrastructure development, these new measures will help create safer, more resilient transport corridors capable of withstanding the challenges of India’s diverse and often fragile landscapes.
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