Pathankot-Mandi Highway: Fresh Water Springs Emerge Along Mandi-Padhar Green Field Stretch, NHAI Launches Channelisation Unexpected water springs surfaced across an 8-kilometre green field section between Mandi and Padhar following rains, prompting NHAI to divert the run-off into nearby culverts within 15 days. A fresh engineering challenge has emerged along the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway project in Himachal Pradesh following recent seasonal rainfall. While the 19-kilometre stretch connecting Mandi and Padhar has reached near completion, water springs have unexpectedly burst through the ground across an 8-kilometre green field segment. An on-site evaluation conducted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) revealed that these subterranean water streams could compromise the structural integrity and foundation of the freshly laid highway if left unmanaged. Channelisation Underway to Direct Water into Culverts Detailing the protective measures being deployed on the ground, NHAI Project Director Varun Chari stated that the downpour caused new underground streams to emerge at roughly 5 to 6 specific locations. To safeguard the roadway, technical teams have initiated immediate channelisation work to redirect the uncontrolled flow. Every active water source is being systematically routed into adjoining culverts, ensuring that the natural run-off drains safely through existing drainage structures without eroding the embankment or damaging the road surface in the future. Gawar Construction Targets 15-Day Completion Window Executing agency Gawar Construction Limited has mobilised machinery and manpower on the site following orders from the highway authority. Vikas Nagar, General Manager of Gawar Construction Limited, explained that channelisation operations began with immediate effect wherever emerging water outlets were identified. He affirmed that the technical stabilisation and diversion work across all affected points will be fully wrapped up within the next 15 days to eliminate any structural risks. Full Traffic Movement Expected by Month-End The newly constructed 19-kilometre highway between Mandi and Padhar is virtually ready for formal commissioning. Current operations on the stretch remain focused on repairing monsoon-induced damage and finishing the drainage links. NHAI aims to resolve all repairs and open the corridor completely for seamless traffic movement by the end of this month. Although vehicular movement is already active across most sections of the road, diversions remain in place near the active repair zones to ensure motorist safety while machines operate. What this means for you Commuters on the Mandi-Pathankot route can expect a smoother drive once the full stretch opens by month-end, though temporary diversions will remain active during repairs. • Across India: Travellers and commercial transport heading towards Kullu and Manali via Pathankot will gain a faster 19-kilometre completed segment by the end of this month. Proper drainage safeguards implemented here also protect long-term inter-state freight connectivity across Himachal Pradesh. • In Himachal Pradesh: Local commuters travelling between Mandi and Padhar must navigate minor road diversions at 5 to 6 repair points for the next 15 days. Once the work finishes by the end of the month, regular travel times between both towns will reduce significantly. • For Motorists: Drivers should exercise caution and obey speed limits around active channelisation zones where diversions are marked. The diversion ensures safe movement while heavy machinery installs drainage pipes to prevent future road subsidence. • For Infrastructure: Channelising underground water into nearby culverts prevents roadbed erosion and asphalt collapse. This intervention safeguards the newly constructed 8-kilometre green field corridor from recurrent post-monsoon cave-ins. Why this happened Heavy rainfall altered underground water pressure along the freshly excavated 8-kilometre green field section between Mandi and Padhar. The subterranean build-up forced natural water springs to emerge across multiple points, threatening the foundation of the newly laid highway. • Direct Trigger: Post-monsoon ground saturation triggered fresh water springs at 5 to 6 distinct locations along the 8-kilometre green field alignment. Uncontrolled water discharge posed an immediate structural hazard to the sub-base and surface of the road. • Contributing Terrain: Developing a green field highway through hilly terrain altered natural subterranean aquifers. Heavy seasonal rains elevated the water table, compelling trapped seepage to surface along newly cut embankments. • Remedial Measures: Engineering assessments prompted NHAI and Gawar Construction Limited to launch immediate channelisation to direct water safely into existing culverts. Contractors were given a 15-day deadline to stabilise the flow and prepare the highway for unhindered opening by month-end. Questions & Answers 1. Which section of the Mandi-Padhar highway is facing issues? The issue has emerged along an 8-kilometre green field area within the 19-kilometre stretch, where 5 to 6 new water springs surfaced following rains. 2. What action is NHAI taking to protect the highway? NHAI is actively channelising the emerging water streams and directing their flow into adjacent culverts to prevent structural erosion. 3. How long will the channelisation work take to complete? Gawar Construction Limited has stated that the channelisation and repair work will be finished within the next 15 days. 4. When will the entire 19-km stretch open completely for traffic? NHAI aims to finish all repairs and open the full highway stretch for unhindered vehicular movement by the end of this month. https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/pathankot-mandi-phoralena-mandi-se-padhar-khnda-ke-grina-philda-ilake-men-phute-pani-ke-srota-saraka-bachane-ko-chainalaijeshana-s-44359 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.