Nainital’s Lower Mall Road may reopen to traffic by the last week of October after the Public Works Department began constructing a slab over its damaged section. The department has completed 20 metres of the planned 40-metre structure.

The road has remained closed to vehicles since a large section subsided in September 2025. The closure has affected local residents and traders, who have faced continued difficulties because of the delayed repair work.

Slab construction follows drilling work

The Public Works Department completed drilling in the damaged area before starting the slab construction. According to assistant engineer Tula Ram Tamta, work on the slab is now under way and half of the total length has been completed.

A 40-metre slab is required for the treatment of the affected stretch. The remaining 20 metres will be built before the department completes the broader treatment work and prepares the road for traffic.

The department is targeting the last week of October for reopening the Lower Mall Road. The road will be opened for vehicles after the remaining construction and treatment work is completed.

Earlier delay led to protest

The Public Works Department started treatment work on the damaged section in October after the subsidence. However, the work could not be completed within the scheduled time.

The delay prompted concern among local residents and traders. Punit Tandon, president of the Maa Naina Devi Traders’ Association, also staged a sit-in over the prolonged closure and slow progress.

The department had earlier assured that the Mall Road would be opened to traffic by 10 October. That deadline passed without completion of the work, leading to continued disruption in the area.

What happens next

The immediate task is to complete the remaining 20 metres of slab and finish treatment of the damaged section. The Public Works Department has said it is preparing to restore traffic by the last week of October, but reopening depends on completion of the pending work.

For residents, businesses and visitors using the Lower Mall Road, the repair represents a possible end to the disruption that followed the September 2025 subsidence. Until the treatment is finished, vehicle movement on the affected road remains closed.

Conclusion

The Lower Mall Road repair has reached the halfway point, with 20 metres of the planned 40-metre slab completed. The Public Works Department is aiming to finish the remaining treatment and reopen the road to traffic by the last week of October.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why was Nainital’s Lower Mall Road closed?

The road was closed to vehicles after a large section subsided in September 2025.

Q. How long will the new slab be?

The planned slab will be 40 metres long.

Q. How much slab construction has been completed?

The Public Works Department has completed 20 metres of the 40-metre slab.

Q. When did treatment work begin?

Treatment work on the damaged section began in October.

Q. When is the road expected to reopen?

The department is preparing to open the road to traffic by the last week of October, after completing the remaining work.

Q. Who provided the latest work update?

Public Works Department assistant engineer Tula Ram Tamta said slab construction had begun and 20 metres had been completed.

Q. Who protested over the delay?

Punit Tandon, president of the Maa Naina Devi Traders’ Association, staged a sit-in over the delay.