Four tunnels on Kiratpur-Manali highway completed, providing Mandi bypass
PTC News Desk: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has successfully completed the construction of four tunnels along the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway, specifically designed to bypass the congested Mandi city. Stretching approximately 4 kilometers, these tunnels are set to open for traffic in the first week of October, aiming to alleviate the severe traffic jams that plague Mandi, particularly during the peak tourist season.
Mandi often experiences significant traffic congestion as tourists flock to popular destinations such as Kullu, Manali, and Lahaul and Spiti. This congestion not only impacts visitors but also local residents, who frequently find themselves stuck in long jams for hours. The new tunnels are expected to provide essential relief, enabling smoother transit and faster access to nearby tourist attractions.
Varun Chari, Project Director of the NHAI Kiratpur-Manali Project, expressed optimism about the tunnels’ impact, stating, “The tunnels will bypass Mandi city and ease traffic congestion significantly. We are hopeful that all formalities will be completed soon and we will be able to open these tunnels to traffic in the first week of October.” He also mentioned that an approach road connecting to a bridge on the bypass is currently under construction and is anticipated to be finished shortly.
While the construction of the tunnels has been welcomed by many residents of Mandi, local business owners, particularly in the hospitality sector, have voiced concerns about the potential negative effects on their livelihoods.
Hoteliers fear that the new bypass will divert tourist traffic away from the city, leading to decreased patronage. “Our business relies heavily on tourists passing through Mandi. We worry that this project will reduce our customer base,” said Ankush Sood, a local hotelier.
Conversely, hotel owners in Kullu and Manali are optimistic about the new tunnels, believing they will facilitate hassle-free travel to the region and potentially boost tourist arrivals. The ongoing road construction work has already caused inconveniences for tourists traveling between Mandi and Pandoh, and the three new tunnels are expected to significantly enhance the overall travel experience.
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