Munish Sood
Mandi
In a major relief for commuters and tourists travelling between Mandi and Kullu-Manali, the two newly constructed tunnels between Dayod and Hanogi on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway were thrown open to one-way traffic on Friday.
Vehicle movement through the tunnels commenced after officials and employees of Shapoorji Pallonji performed a Havan and Puja at the site. The opening is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and reduce the disruption caused by landslides along this vulnerable stretch, particularly during the monsoon.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had announced the opening of the Dayod-Hanogi tunnels through a post on social media on Thursday. Following the announcement, the contractor formally opened the tunnels for one-way traffic on Friday after completing the necessary preparations.
The two tunnels, each around 3.5 km long, are an important component of the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project. Their opening bypasses some of the most vulnerable stretches between Pandoh, Takoli and Aut, including the areas around Hanogi and Dayod that have frequently witnessed landslides and prolonged traffic jams.
The development is expected to bring down the road distance between Mandi and Kullu from around 78 km to nearly 60 km, besides making the journey considerably more predictable. It will also provide a safer and more reliable route for tourists, local residents, transporters and fruit growers, particularly during the apple season.
The tunnels were opened after inspection by officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). An inspection of the construction and preparedness of the tunnels was conducted a few days ago in the presence of NHAI member Vipnesh Sharma, following which the necessary process for opening the structures to traffic was completed.
Hanogi tunnel damaged in 2025 disaster
The opening of the tunnels assumes added significance as the Hanogi tunnel had suffered substantial damage during the 2025 monsoon disaster. Around 26 metres of the portion near the tunnel portal was severely affected, delaying its opening to traffic.
The damaged section was subsequently repaired and essential restoration work completed by NHAI at a cost of around Rs 50 crore, paving the way for the tunnel to be opened.
With the tunnels now operational for one-way traffic, commuters are expected to get relief from the recurring problem of landslides and road closures on the old alignment during the rainy season.
‘Traffic movement will improve’
Shapoorji Pallonji team leader Adarsh Panotra said both Dayod and Hanogi tunnels had been opened for one-way traffic on Friday following the Havan and Puja.
He said the opening would provide considerable relief to commuters and was expected to improve traffic management along the busy Mandi-Kullu corridor.
The project is also expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of apples and other agricultural produce from Kullu to markets outside the valley, besides improving access for tourists visiting Kullu-Manali.
The opening of the Dayod-Hanogi tunnels marks another significant step towards providing a faster, safer and more dependable four-lane connection between Mandi and the Kullu-Manali valley.
