A key stretch of the strategically important Pathankot-Mandi National Highway in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district has been completed five months ahead of schedule. The 19 kilometre stretch runs between Mandi town and the town of Padhar, built at a cost of Rs 545 crore, and is currently undergoing safety inspection before it is opened to traffic.
Finished five months before deadline
The tender for this project was awarded on 20 July 2022, while actual construction work began on 4 November 2024. The deadline for completion was set at November 2026, but Gawar, the company handling construction, finished the work five months ahead of that schedule. This stretch of the Pathankot-Mandi project falls under NHAI's Mandi unit, while the rest of the project is being handled by the Palampur unit. Most of the work between Padhar and Pathankot is still in progress, and construction is yet to begin at some locations.
Shorter distance, just 25 minutes now
The new highway has cut the distance between Mandi and Padhar by nearly three and three quarter kilometres. The old highway measured about 23 kilometres, which has now come down to around 19 kilometres. The road has also been built straight and flat, doing away with the winding, twisting turns of the old route. The journey that once took about an hour will now be covered in just 25 minutes. The new highway is 12 metres wide.
24 bridges along the 19 kilometre stretch
A total of 24 small and large bridges have been built along this 19 kilometre stretch, including five major bridges. These bridges will not only make everyday travel easier but will also keep the route open and safe during the monsoon season. The highway is strategically important for the smooth movement of army vehicles, and it is expected to prove just as vital for the tourism industry of Kangra and the Mandi valley. Regular commuters and drivers are also set to benefit.
Safety inspection underway
NHAI project director Varun Chari said the safety inspection of the newly built highway is currently underway. A technical team from Gawar and NHAI is jointly examining the entire stretch. If any shortcomings are found, instructions will be issued to fix them immediately. A decision on when vehicles can start using the highway will be taken only after this process is complete.
One bridge left, to finish in 10 days
Gawar's general manager Vikas Nagar said most of the highway work has been completed, with only the slab work on one bridge still pending. This remaining work is expected to be finished within the next 10 days. The inspection of the highway is ongoing, and any suggestions that come up during the process will be acted upon immediately. The entire under-construction highway connects Manali via Pathankot, Dharamshala and Mandi, making its completion a significant development for connectivity across these hill areas.
