Shimla, Oct. 29 -- The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Thursday sought a specific response from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on why it abandoned the original plan to construct a surface highway for the Shimla Bypass and opted for twin tunnels instead, despite having acquired land and disbursed compensation of around Rs 600 crore for the earlier project.

Justice Sandeep Sharma, while hearing a petition filed by eight residents of Sanjauli, issued notices to the Union government, Himachal Pradesh government, NHAI and Shimla Deputy Commissioner, among others, directing them to file their replies within two weeks.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 17.

The petitioners have sought directions to imme...