The Newz Radar
MANDI: The strategically important Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project is progressing on a rapid pace and the completion of the project will open tourism vistas in Himachal Pradesh.
It is a state-of-the-art project that includes the construction of 10 modern tunnels, one elevated viaduct, three major bridges, including one that is 140-metre-long, 10 minor bridges and double-lane of a 13-km highway stretch with slope protection, culverts, retaining walls, drainage and many other features.
Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, through a social media post, said that out of the 10 tunnels being constructed between Pandoh and Aut, five that are being constructed from Hanogi to Jhalogi shall be thrown open to vehicular traffic from Thursday on a trial basis.
“The Pandoh-Aut section of the national highway is the most challenging part of the four-lane project on the Kiratpur-Manali national highway as it has rocky mountain terrain with river Beas flowing all along the highway. The falling of rocks and mighty Beas submerging the highway during rains is a regular affair on this stretch. With the opening up of five tunnels, the commuters will have a safe journey from all aspects,” he writes.
Prime Minster Narendra Modi will dedicate the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project to public once it is complete, he shares further in his post, congratulating the people of state in advance.
The Union Minister had on May 5, on his Twitter handle and Facebook, posted a video of the ongoing construction of tunnels on Padhoh bypass to Takoli stretch, appreciating the ongoing work. “Stunning visuals…. commuters enjoying uphill drive conditions,” he wrote while sharing a recording. The one-minute video had over six lakh view within a few hours.
Constructing 10 tunnels, bridges and double lane on this stretch had been a daunting task for the National Highways Authority of India, which is all set to complete it in a record time. Once the project is complete, the travel distance between Chandigarh and Manali will be reduced by around 60 km and the travel time will be cut down by over two hours. At present, it takes around nine hours to travel from Chandigarh to Manali. The time will be cut down to seven hours after the completion of the project.
