{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Significant Progress on Pathankot-Mandi Highway as Bypass Tunnels Reach Sixty Percent Excavation Milestone",
  "summary": "Excavation work for the two 3.5-kilometer-long bypass tunnels on the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway has crossed the 60 percent mark, with the entire project slated for completion by September 2027.",
  "content": "The strategically vital Pathankot-Mandi National Highway project in Himachal Pradesh has achieved a major milestone. Excavation work for the bypass tunnels designed to divert traffic away from Mandi city has reached 60 percent completion. The entire infrastructure project is scheduled to be fully operational by September 2027, promising to significantly ease travel between popular destinations like Kullu, Manali, and Pathankot.\n\nConstruction Updates and Milestones\nProviding details on the development, RCS Rawat, General Manager of Bharat Construction Company, which is executing the project, shared these updates following the Vishwakarma Puja celebrations. The construction of the bypass involves two tunnels with a combined length of 3.5 kilometers. Commissioned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the construction work on this crucial bypass initiative commenced in March 2025.\n\nThe contractor and project managers are making concerted efforts to ensure that the remaining 40 percent of the work is completed well within the designated timeline. The execution team is highly optimistic about delivering the completed project by the target date of September 2027, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transit experience for commuters traversing these high-traffic routes.\n\nReligious Observances and Community Support\nThe progress update was shared on the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Puja. Rawat, alongside other company officials, staff, and construction workers, participated in traditional rituals, including a ceremonial Havan. After performing the Purnahuti, the team performed the Aarti of Lord Vishwakarma, praying for the safe and timely completion of the infrastructure initiative. Once these bypass tunnels are commissioned, they will offer immense relief to local residents in Mandi by reducing city congestion, while also providing a seamless bypass route for tourists and daily commuters heading towards Pathankot, Mandi, Kullu, or Manali.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThe rapid progress on the Mandi bypass tunnels will significantly transform travel dynamics and ease congestion in the region.\n\n• For Travelers Across India: Commuters and tourists heading towards Kullu, Manali, and Pathankot will experience vastly reduced travel times. They will be able to bypass the heavily congested city roads of Mandi altogether.\n• In Himachal Pradesh: Local residents of Mandi will get relief from the persistent traffic bottlenecks within the city. This diversion of long-distance traffic will improve urban air quality and enhance pedestrian safety.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe construction of the bypass tunnels was initiated to address severe traffic bottlenecks and improve national highway connectivity.\n\n• Strategic Highway Expansion: The Pathankot-Mandi route is a vital link for both defense transport and tourism in northern India. NHAI conceptualized the 3.5-kilometer twin tunnels to ensure uninterrupted and rapid vehicular movement.\n• Active Project Management: Bharat Construction Company began active physical excavation in March 2025. Constant mobilization of labor and machinery has enabled them to complete 60 percent of the excavation work in a structured timeframe.\n• Targeted Completion Drive: The project developers are aiming for a September 2027 deadline to prevent cost overruns. The recent review and prayers on Vishwakarma Puja reflect the ongoing organizational focus toward maintaining this timeline.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What is the current status of the Mandi bypass tunnels?\nAround 60 percent of the excavation work for the bypass tunnels has been completed.\n\n2. What is the total length of these bypass tunnels?\nThe project consists of two tunnels with a combined length of 3.5 kilometers.\n\n3. When is the Pathankot-Mandi highway bypass project expected to be completed?\nThe entire project is scheduled to be completed by September 2027.\n\n4. Which company is responsible for constructing these tunnels?\nThe construction is being carried out by Bharat Construction Company.\n\n5. When did the construction of this NHAI project begin?\nThe construction work on this strategic highway project started in March 2025.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/pathankot-mandi-neshanala-haive-para-baipasa-surngon-ka-kama-teja-60-phisadi-khudai-puri-hone-se-barha-utsaha-32973",
  "category": "Himachal Pradesh",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-17",
  "tags": [
    "Himachal Pradesh",
    "Mandi Bypass Tunnels",
    "Pathankot Mandi Highway",
    "NHAI",
    "Infrastructure Development"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}