Munish Sood
MANDI: In a major breakthrough for infrastructure development in Himachal Pradesh, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh has announced that the Central Government has given in-principle approval for the construction of the Jalori Jot Tunnel on National Highway-305 (NH-305).
The long-awaited project is now set to be included in the Union budget for the financial year 2025–26, paving the way for year-round connectivity to remote regions of the state.
The announcement follows a recent meeting between PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi where the matter was raised with urgency and strategic importance.
Singh confirmed that the response from the central government was “extremely positive” and that the official approval process has now been set in motion.
Project details, strategic importance
The Jalori Jot Tunnel is envisioned as a game-changer for the Anni and Banjar valleys, which currently remain cut off from the rest of the state for several months each year due to heavy snowfall at the Jalori Pass (altitude 10,800 ft).
• Tunnel Length: Approx. 4.16 km, connecting Khanag (Anni side) to Sojha (Banjar side)
• Total route coverage: Including approach roads, the project spans over 11.76 km
• Estimated cost: Around ₹1,452 crore, as per the preliminary Detailed Project Report (DPR)
• Initial funding secured: A sum of ₹267 crore has already been approved as the first installment
• Expected benefits: Shortens travel distance by about 8 km and ensures all-weather connectivity for over 70 panchayats in the Kullu region
“This tunnel will not only reduce travel time and improve road safety but also bring immense socio-economic benefits to the local population, including tourism, agriculture, and emergency services,” said Minister Vikramaditya Singh.
Singh has been actively pursuing key development projects for his region. Alongside the Jalori tunnel, he has secured approvals for 60 new rural roads under PMGSY-IV and is advocating for a separate PWD division for Anni to streamline project execution and monitoring.
“This project is not just about connectivity, but giving new life to the interior regions of Himachal, which have remained on the margins of mainstream development due to difficult terrain and weather,” Singh emphasised.
Next steps
With the central government’s nod secured, the Himachal Pradesh government will soon move ahead with:
• Finalisation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR)
• Land acquisition and environmental clearances
• Tendering and contractor appointments
• Groundbreaking, expected within the financial year 2025-26
A Transformational Move for Himachal Pradesh
Once completed, the Jalori Jot Tunnel will stand as one of the most significant infrastructural achievements in the state’s history, ensuring 365-day access to interior valleys, boosting tourism circuits like the Tirthan and Seraj Valleys, and serving as a vital link for disaster response and logistics.
The project also aligns with the broader national strategy of strengthening connectivity across border and tribal areas, especially in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan belt.
PWD Minister Singh concluded with optimism, saying, “I thank Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his prompt support. Himachal is moving forward with renewed energy and commitment to infrastructure excellence.”
