New Delhi: In a major effort to strengthen road infrastructure in India’s geologically sensitive hill regions, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has intensified the deployment of advanced monitoring technologies, scientific studies and policy reforms aimed at protecting National Highways from landslides, flash floods and other natural hazards.
The initiative comes in the aftermath of several extreme weather events, including last year’s devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi’s Dharali and Sukhi Top regions, which triggered flash floods, slope failures and extensive damage to lives, property and infrastructure.
One of the key measures being implemented is the use of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)-based landslide monitoring and early warning systems along a 100-kilometre stretch of the Char Dham route in Uttarakhand. The technology can detect even minute ground movements, allowing authorities to identify unstable slopes and take preventive action before landslides occur.
A similar advanced warning and alert system is also being planned for the Parwanoo-Solan stretch of National Highway-5 in Himachal Pradesh. The system will enable real-time monitoring of landslides, land subsidence, groundwater movement and rockfall-prone areas, improving disaster preparedness and highway safety.
To enhance scientific planning, MoRTH has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The collaboration will support geological investigations for tunnel projects and facilitate the sharing of critical geohazard data. Geological maps and National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping prepared by GSI are now being incorporated into the planning and alignment stages of highway projects in vulnerable mountainous regions.
India currently has approximately 16,788 kilometres of National Highways in hill states, forming part of the country’s overall highway network of more than 1,46,570 kilometres. Given the Himalayan region’s vulnerability to landslides, rockfalls, cloudbursts and flash floods, ensuring resilient infrastructure has become a strategic priority.
As part of its policy reforms, the government has introduced a phased construction model for highway projects in hilly areas. Under the revised approach, the first year of construction will primarily focus on hill cutting and slope stabilisation works. Road construction will begin only after the slopes have successfully withstood at least one monsoon season, reducing the risk of future failures.
The ministry has also partnered with agencies using advanced satellite-based monitoring systems capable of detecting subtle ground shifts long before visible signs of instability emerge. Officials believe these technologies will improve safety, reduce maintenance costs and minimise traffic disruptions caused by natural disasters.
According to government estimates, constructing mountain highways typically costs between ₹15 crore and ₹30 crore per kilometre. In comparison, a single moderate landslide can cause repair expenses ranging from ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore while disrupting traffic for several days. Early warning systems and preventive engineering measures are therefore expected to provide significant economic and safety benefits.
Additionally, MoRTH has introduced a policy on Normative Construction Periods, allowing extended timelines for infrastructure projects in challenging terrains such as the Himalayas, the North-East, the Western Ghats and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The ministry is also ensuring adequate right of way for slope protection works and long-term maintenance activities.
The government believes these measures will help create safer, more resilient and sustainable highway infrastructure in some of India’s most environmentally fragile regions.
