Crisis at Kwarab Landslide Zone: Urgent Demand for Bypass Construction on NH-109
Almora — A severe geological threat looms over kilometer 55 of National Highway-109 near Kwarab, where an active chronic landslide zone has rendered the road section unsafe for vehicular traffic. In light of this situation, Almora District Magistrate, Mr. Alok Kumar Pandey, has formally requested the Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Uttarakhand, to expedite the construction of a bypass through the selected contract process, bypassing the traditional tender procedure.
The request references a communication dated May 3, 2025, from the Executive Engineer of the Provincial Division, PWD Almora, detailing that the right section near the Kwarab bridge has become dangerously unstable due to continuous landslides. The area is highly prone to sudden accidents and road closures. In coordination with geologists, the PWD surveyed four possible alternative routes around the slide zone. Three routes were deemed unsuitable for various technical and geographic reasons. The fourth option — the Doba-Chaurali-Kakrighat motor road — was found to be the most feasible for a bypass, despite its current limitations.
This alternative route, however, is narrow and has steep gradients in many sections, making it unsuitable for heavy vehicle movement in its existing condition. The proposed bypass includes approximately 1.7 km of road construction, with 1.3 km requiring mountain cutting and widening. Additionally, temporary valley bridges — 60 meters over the Kosi River and 18 meters over a local stream — will be constructed to complete the connection.
The estimated cost for this entire project stands at Rs. 1056.21 lakh. The proposal has already been forwarded by the Chief Engineer (National Highways), Dehradun, to the Regional Officer, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, on April 22, 2025, and is currently awaiting approval, which is expected shortly.
The Executive Engineer has highlighted that even after approval, the traditional tender process could take an additional one to two months — time that could prove critical in the event of a road collapse or accident. Therefore, the District Magistrate has urged that the project be exempted from the standard bidding procedure and instead be initiated immediately under a selection bond/selected contractor model, potentially divided into two or three work packages.
This matter was also discussed during the DISHA Committee meeting held on May 14, 2025, where the Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Union Minister of State for Road Transport (Chairperson), along with other members, gave their full support and directed that a letter be issued for prompt action.
If implemented promptly, this bypass project would not only safeguard commuters but also restore critical connectivity along this vital national highway.
