Chandigarh-Manali highway: 5 tunnels opened for traffic on trial basis

The five tunnels built in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district from Hanogi to Jhalogi have been opened for vehicle movement on a trial basis.

The tunnels built on the 4-lane Kiratpur-Manali highway from Hanogi to Jhalogi in the Mandi district have opened for traffic but have yet to be formally inaugurated.

Previously, India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, took to Twitter and stated that the tunnels being built from Pandoh to Ot in the Mandi district of the Kiratpur-Manali 4-lane project were strategic and tourist in nature.

At the time Gadkari wrote that “Important from strategic and tourism point of view, 10 tunnels are being constructed from Pandoh to Ot in the Mandi district of the Kiratpur-Manali 4-lane project, out of which 5 tunnels from Hanogi to Jhalogi have been completed. These tunnels are being opened for trial.”

Prior to the construction of the tunnels from Hanogi to Jhalogi, there was always the risk of stones falling and water flooding roadways during rainy seasons, forcing them to be closed, according to the Road Transport and Highways Minister.

“From Hanogi to Jhalogi, especially during the rainy season, there used to be danger due to falling of stones etc. from the mountains and due to the water of Beas river coming on the road, it had to be closed in the rainy season. Now the passengers will get relief and the journey will also be safe and time-saving,” Gadkari tweeted.

He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the road from Kiratpur to Nerchowk and from Pandoh to Takoli.

“On completion of the road work from Kiratpur to Nerchowk and from Pandoh to Takoli, it is proposed to be formally inaugurated by Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji. Best wishes to the people of Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh,” he added.