Travelers heading to Himachal Pradesh have received a major relief update regarding the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project in Mandi district. The tunnels constructed between Dayod and Hanogi, part of the Pandoh bypass Takoli project, are scheduled to open for public traffic within the next ten days. This development will provide commuters traveling toward Kullu and Manali with superior transport facilities while finally offering an escape from the hazards of the treacherous existing highway.
Landslides Caused Significant Damage to Tunnels
According to available details, the tunnels connecting Dayod and Hanogi had already been constructed earlier. However, continuous hill subsidence and landslides near Hanogi caused substantial structural damage to these passages. To repair a twenty-four-meter section of the tunnels, the National Highways Authority of India sanctioned an additional budget of fifty crore rupees and subsequently awarded the restoration contract to Gavar Company.
Expert Execution Nearing Completion
Gavar Company has been executing this critical task through Bharat Construction Company, an entity specializing in tunneling expertise. At present, the restoration work has reached its final phase, and authorities plan to open the route on a trial basis within the upcoming ten days to ease movement.
Phased Opening Planned by Project Authorities
National Highways Authority Project Director Varun Chari stated that the executing agency has been instructed to complete work on at least one tunnel within seven to ten days and make it operational for traffic. Initially, two-way traffic will be managed through a single tunnel, while work on the second tunnel will be completed subsequently, after which both will be fully operationalized for commuters.
Timing Aligned with International Kullu Dussehra
Significantly, the international Kullu Dussehra festival is scheduled to commence in Kullu district on October 20. Millions of tourists from across the country and abroad travel to Kullu to witness this grand annual celebration. Consequently, the National Highways Authority is making concerted efforts to deliver smooth travel infrastructure before the festival begins, ensuring that visitors traveling to and from Kullu-Manali do not face unnecessary commuting hardships.
