Vehicular movement was to commence on May 15
The Newz Radar, Mandi
The Kiratpur-Manali four-lane, proposed to be thrown open for vehicular movement on May 15, shall now be delayed by over 15 days or more.
GAWAR, the company constructing the National Highway has extended the deadline for completion of work till first week of June. GAWAR chief manager Colonel B S Chauhan disclosed that the construction of five bridges was in progress and was scheduled to finish by the end of this month. A total of 22 large and 15 small bridges were being constructed on this highway, he added.
“The construction of two railway crossings, the first near Jagatkhana and other near Mandi Bharari are also in progress. The highway will move above the crossings through overhead bridges which is another reason for the delay,” he said.
The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway is being constructed in a record time, eight months in advance, by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The movement of vehicles through three tunnels has already been started by the NHAI authorities, making travel much easier and comfortable for travellers. The paintings of Lord Shiva on these tunnels are already catching eye balls of commuters who are posting these on social media. It is learnt that similar paintings shall be made at the entrance and exit of all the tunnels.
The work of NH from Kiratpur to Kainchi Mor is completed while from Kainchi Mor to Bhawana almost 90 percent work has been finished. The first tunnel to welcome tourists coming from Punjab will be Mehala Tunnel followed by Tunnu and Bhawana tunnels, respectively.
With the construction of this highway the distance between Mandi and Kiratpur will be reduced by over 45 kilometers and travel distance by an hour. Two toll barriers are coming up in Baloh and Garamora, respectively.
This stretch of highway will be one of the most scenic highways in the state. It will pass through beautiful landscapes, wide tunnels dug deep into mighty mountains, long bridges built over lakes and rivers and fresh air all along the journey.
