The four-laning of Shalghat near Shimla to Nauni Chowk (Bilaspur) is likely to start from February 2024. A detailed project report (DPR) is expected to be completed this month, with award of work to be completed by August, 2023. 

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has given in principle approval for four-laning of the road project from Shimla to Mataur amounting to Rs 10,000 crore. It has been divided into six packages. Shimla to Shalaghat stretch is part of Package-I, and Shalaghat to Nauni Chowk Bilaspur will be covered under Package-II.The land acquisition process is in progress for the latter stretch.

The remaining packages include Bhager to Hamirpur (Package-III), Hamirpur bypass from Cheelbahal to Bhangwar (Package IV), Hamirpur bypass (Package IVA), and Bhangwar to Kangra (VB), wherein Rs 3,208.53 crore has been sanctioned for packages VB, IV and IVA.

Work on the Bhangwar to Kangra stretch has already started and is likely to be completed by December 2024. Further, the land acquisition process is in progress for package IV and package IV-A. The construction work on these two stretches will start in the next two months, with construction to be completed in two years.

The four-lane project will ensure safer and faster commute between Shimla and seven districts, including Solan, Mandi, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra and Una. The earlier DPR of Shalaghat to Nauni Chowk completed in December last year was for the provision of a two-lane with paved shoulder, which is now proposed to be a four-lane project.