In a dramatic rescue operation on a rain-battered highway in Himachal Pradesh, a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) patrolling team braved active landslides to save a seven-month-old infant who was on oxygen support. The incident took place on the Chamba-Bharmour stretch of NH154-A, where relentless rain had triggered landslides and rockfall, leaving the baby and family stranded.
Infant on Oxygen Support Trapped by Landslides on NH154-A
The seven-month-old baby, who required oxygen and ventilator support, was being shifted to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba in an ambulance. However, heavy rain caused landslides and rockfall at Durgethi on Thursday afternoon, blocking the highway from both sides. With the infant's condition worsening with every passing minute, the family was trapped between active landslide zones, unable to move forward or backward.
According to ANI News, the family could do little except hope for help as the situation grew more critical.
NHAI Patrolling Team Rushes to Rescue Amid Falling Rocks
Realizing the urgency, the NHAI highway patrolling team rushed to the spot despite the continuing threat of falling rocks and active landslides. The team acted swiftly and safely transported the infant and family to the hospital in their vehicle, navigating through the dangerous terrain.
As reported by State Times on Facebook, the NHAI team's quick response was crucial in ensuring the baby reached medical care in time.
Bharmaur MLA Praises NHAI for Swift Action
The rescue operation drew praise from local leaders. Bharmaur MLA Janak Raj commended the NHAI team for their bravery and dedication. He highlighted how the team went beyond their duty to save a life in a life-threatening situation.
"Despite active landslides and falling rocks, the NHAI team acted swiftly and safely transported the infant and family to the hospital." — Instagram post
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Chamba also acknowledged the rescue, noting that a seven-month-old baby on oxygen support was stranded after roads were blocked from both sides due to landslides, and the NHAI team's intervention was a critical lifeline.
Our Take: A Reminder of the Human Side of Infrastructure
This rescue is a powerful reminder that behind the concrete and machinery of highway projects, there are people who step up when it matters most. The NHAI patrolling team did not just clear a road — they cleared a path for a baby to live. In our view, this is the kind of service that deserves recognition, not just as a news story, but as a standard of duty. While infrastructure development often focuses on numbers and timelines, moments like these show that the real value is in how it serves people in crisis. The bravery of this team should inspire others in similar roles to act with the same urgency and compassion.