The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a major policy shift for road construction in hilly regions, mandating that slope stabilisation must be completed before road construction begins. Announced at a workshop on landslide mitigation on 30 April 2026, the move aims to address growing safety risks in the Himalayan and other fragile terrains, where road projects are frequently disrupted by landslides, cloudbursts, and seismic activity.
The new approach recognises that traditional construction practices—where roads are built first and slopes are treated later—have led to recurring structural failures and high maintenance costs. By prioritising slope stability at the planning stage, the government aims to improve long-term durability, safety, and climate resilience of road infrastructure.
The Ministry is leveraging global best practices and cross-institutional collaborations to mitigate geo-hazards. Key initiatives include MoUs with THDC India Limited for landslide treatment in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh, and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) for data sharing on tunnel projects. Furthermore, advanced monitoring technologies are being deployed, including InSAR-based early warning systems along a 100-km stretch of the Chardham route and real-time monitoring guidelines developed in partnership with IIT Roorkee.
Key Statistical and Technological Benchmarks
Policy Shift: Mandatory slope stabilization must now be completed before road construction commences.
Early Warning Coverage: 100-km stretch of the Chardham route in Uttarakhand to receive InSAR-based monitoring.
Survey Technology: Integration of LiDAR and UAV-based topographical surveys into Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
Institutional Network: Collaboration with the National Institute of Rock Mechanics for safety audits and design validation.
Regional Focus: Specialized landslide treatment focused on high-risk zones in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh.
What is "InSAR-based Monitoring"?
Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a remote sensing technique that uses radar images from satellites to detect millimeter-scale changes in the Earth's surface. Unlike traditional cameras, InSAR can see through clouds and operate at night. In the context of the Chardham route, this technology allows engineers to monitor mountain slopes for tiny movements that often precede a major landslide. By identifying these "creep" movements early, authorities can issue warnings or perform emergency stabilisation before the slope collapses, saving lives and preventing road closures.
Policy Relevance
Reduces Infrastructure Loss: By stabilizing slopes first, the government prevents the frequent "washouts" that destroy expensive hill roads shortly after completion, protecting the national exchequer.
Ensures All-Weather Connectivity: Resilient hill roads are vital for strategic defense mobility and ensuring that remote Himalayan habitations remain connected during the monsoon.
Institutionalizes Data-Driven Planning: Moving from historical data to real-time monitoring (IIT Roorkee guidelines) allows for proactive rather than reactive disaster management.
Bolsters Pilgrimage Safety: Deploying early warning systems on the Chardham route directly secures millions of devotees and supports the regional tourism economy.
Promotes Sustainable Engineering: The use of geo-hazard mitigation (DGRE collaboration) ensures that infrastructure development does not further destabilise the delicate Himalayan ecosystem.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: With the 'Slope First' policy now in effect, how can MoRTH and the Ministry of Finance restructure contract payments to ensure contractors are incentivised for successful long-term slope stabilisation rather than just rapid road paving?
Follow the full news here: Landslide Mitigation for Resilient Hill Roads