As Mandi bypass opens for traffic, residents expect relief from jams but traders fear losses
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MANDI: After years of anticipation, Mandi city witnessed the opening of its long-awaited bypass on Monday. Constructed under the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project, the bypass is set to alleviate the city’s notorious traffic congestion. However, the move has sparked concerns among local businesses, particularly those in the tourism sector, who fear the bypass will divert customers away from the city.
Bypass begins trial run: Traffic relief for Mandi city
Starting today, the newly constructed bypass has been opened for traffic on a trial basis. The bypass has been designed to reroute vehicles around Mandi, providing much-needed relief from the frequent traffic jams that have plagued the city for years. On the first day of the trial run, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) were present to oversee the opening.
NHAI officials confirmed that the bypass will be monitored for the next three days to identify any operational issues. If any problems are detected, immediate corrective actions will be taken. Varun Chari, Project Director of NHAI, revealed that the bypass was delayed due to the construction of a critical bridge, but the project has now been completed. He further highlighted that the 8 km stretch includes four tunnels and several bridges — three large and seven small — enhancing the overall infrastructure.
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Boon for tourists: Faster access to Kullu-Manali
The bypass is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for tourists heading to Kullu and Manali. Until now, vehicles had to navigate the narrow, congested streets of Mandi, often causing hours-long delays. With the new bypass, traffic will now be diverted around the city, making the journey smoother and faster.
Tourists and locals alike stand to benefit from this development. Commuters travelling between Chandigarh and Manali or Leh will no longer have to endure the heavy congestion in Mandi, and the time savings could be considerable.
The bypass is part of a broader effort to improve road connectivity in the region, with the construction of the four-lane highway from Nagchala to Pandoh currently underway by KMC Company. Once fully operational, the bypass will be formally inaugurated, completing a key segment of this vital transportation project.
Challenges for local businesses: Tourism industry at risk
While the bypass is undoubtedly a game-changer for traffic management, it has raised concerns among Mandi’s local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and food sectors. For years, hotels, dhabas and restaurants in Mandi have relied heavily on tourists stopping in the city on their way to Kullu-Manali. However, with the bypass now diverting traffic around the city, many fear a sharp decline in business.
Anshul Malhotra, secretary of the Mandi Hoteliers Association, expressed grave concerns about the future of the local hospitality industry. “More than half of Mandi’s hotels could close within a few months if this trend continues.
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Tourists who used to stop here for food and lodging will now bypass the city entirely,” he told The Newz Radar. Malhotra urged the government to introduce measures that could encourage tourists to visit Mandi despite the bypass to prevent a collapse of the local economy.
Mixed reactions from residents: Relief and worry
While many residents are thrilled by the prospect of less traffic and smoother travel, others worry about the long-term impact on the local economy. Sundernagar, which faced a similar situation with its bypass, also experienced a decline in local businesses reliant on passing tourists. However, the reduced traffic congestion has been a welcome relief for those living in the city.
Local leaders are now calling on the government to strike a balance between improving infrastructure and supporting local businesses. The bypass might provide immediate relief for commuters, but its long-term consequences for Mandi’s economy remain to be seen.
