Shimla, April 11 -- Construction work on tunnel number 17 of the Bhanupali-Beri railway line came to a halt after residents of Nog and Badhyat villages in Bilaspur Sadar raised strong objections, alleging structural damage to their houses due to ongoing excavation work.

The villagers claimed that cracks have appeared in around 15 houses and are progressively widening, making the structures unsafe for habitation. They also reported damage to village roads and a bawari (traditional water source) and accused the authorities of not initiating any repair work.

The construction of tunnel no. 17 began last year between Nog and Badhyat villages. According to the villagers, while the Railways had earlier promised compensation for damages caused ...