Munish Sood
Mandi
Traffic through the Dyor-Hanogi tunnel stretch of the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway is set to begin within the next four days, following a successful trial run on Monday, marking a significant step towards easing congestion and improving connectivity to Kullu-Manali.
The trial of the tunnels was conducted in the presence of NHAI Board Member Vipnesh Sharma. Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also inspected the project and took stock of the arrangements ahead of its opening.
The Dyor-Hanogi section forms the entry stretch of the strategically important Pandoh Bypass-Takoli project, estimated to cost around ₹2,600 crore. The project includes 10 tunnels, four of which fall between Dyor and Hanogi.
Initially, two tunnels will be opened for traffic. One is around 2.8 km long, while the other measures approximately 650 metres. A 45-metre-high and 140-metre-long bridge near Khotinalla connects the tunnel section.
The Hanogi tunnel portals, which were damaged during the monsoon, have also been repaired at a cost of around ₹50 crore. NHAI officials said the remaining work was largely confined to safety-related requirements and would be completed before traffic is allowed.
NHAI Board Member Vipnesh Sharma said the project was strategically important and confirmed that traffic would be made operational within four days after completion of the remaining safety parameters.
Thakur said the opening of the tunnel stretch would provide substantial relief to commuters travelling towards Kullu-Manali and make the journey safer and smoother. He also credited the Centre and the NHAI for expediting infrastructure work following damage caused by natural disasters in the region.
The inspection was attended by Dharampur MLA Purna Chand Thakur, NHAI Regional Officer Colonel Ajay Singh Bargoti, Project Director Varun Chari and representatives of Shapoorji Pallonji, Afcons, Gawar Construction and Bharat Construction.
