Four new tunnels planned on Kiratpur-Manali 4-lane project
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Existing single-tube tunnels to be upgraded to double-tube to ease traffic flow
MANDI: The Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project is set for a major upgrade with the construction of four new tunnels between Swarghat in Bilaspur district and Bhawana in Mandi district. These tunnels will be built parallel to the existing single-tube tunnels to reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall flow of vehicles along this critical route.
5 tunnels already constructed
Currently, five tunnels have been constructed on the Swarghat-Bhawana stretch, but only single-tube tunnels are operational. To alleviate the growing pressure on these tunnels, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalised the alignment for four additional tunnels that will run parallel to the existing ones. This move aims to prevent traffic bottlenecks in the future as traffic density is expected to increase over time.
Swarghat tunnel work in progress
The tunnel in Swarghat is already undergoing an upgrade, with the second tube under construction. While the first tunnel has been opened for traffic, the second is expected to be completed and operational by March 2024. The NHAI aims to have the entire double-tube system at Swarghat fully functional by March 2025, significantly easing traffic flow in this section.
NHAI’s strategy for future traffic growth
NHAI officials, including Varun Chari, project director of the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project, emphasised the importance of the upgrade due to increasing vehicle rush on the route. “We face high traffic volumes, especially near the tunnels, where the pressure intensifies due to single-tube crossings. The construction of parallel tunnels will help distribute this load and ensure smoother transit,” said Chari.
The alignment for the new tunnels has already been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for approval. Once clearance is received, the NHAI will prepare the final detailed project report (DPR) and secure funding to begin construction.
Completion timeline and future impact
The entire project, once completed, will drastically reduce traffic bottlenecks in the Kiratpur-Manali corridor, providing a more seamless driving experience for both commuters and heavy vehicles. The new tunnels are expected to handle the anticipated increase in traffic efficiently, contributing to faster and safer travel on this major route connecting Himachal Pradesh with key northern states.
