Mandi: People heading from Mandi to Kullu have received major relief. Under the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project, the new tunnels built from Dayod to Hanogi have successfully completed their trial.
Once these tunnels open, travel on this difficult stretch, often hit by landslides and traffic jams, will become much easier. The journey that currently takes around one hour 50 minutes is expected to be completed in about one hour. Traffic is likely to start within the next four days after all required safety standards are met.
Officials conducted the trial of the tunnels from Dayod to Hanogi on Monday. These form the entry point of the Pandoh Bypass-Takoli four-lane project. NHAI board member Vipnesh Sharma was present during the inspection and trial.
This stretch was earlier considered difficult for drivers due to frequent jams, winding roads and the risk of landslides. As a result, the journey from Mandi to Kullu often took longer. The new tunnels will significantly reduce travel time on this section, with the full Mandi-Kullu trip expected to take around one hour.
Traffic to begin on two tunnels initially
The Pandoh Bypass-Takoli project has a total of 10 tunnels. Four tunnels between Dayod and Hanogi form part of the project’s entrance. For now, two tunnels on one side will be opened for traffic. One tunnel is about 2.8 kilometres long and the other about 650 metres.
Who stands to benefit most
Local residents travelling between Mandi, Kullu and Manali will gain the most. Tourists visiting Kullu-Manali, taxi operators and other drivers will also benefit. Movement in the Hanogi area, which was often disrupted by jams and landslides on the old road, is expected to improve.
Opposition leader thanks Centre
Former chief minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also visited the site after the successful trial and inspected the tunnels. He said the opening will provide better and smoother travel facilities for people and tourists going to Kullu-Manali.
He congratulated NHAI officials for completing the construction to quality standards. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for ensuring early completion of the project. He noted that the four-lane highway and tunnels will improve road connectivity in Himachal and benefit both residents and the tourism sector.
Traffic may start in four days
NHAI board member Vipnesh Sharma said the project also holds strategic importance. During the inspection, directions were given to meet certain essential safety standards. Once these are completed in the next four days, traffic will be allowed through the tunnels. He also congratulated the teams of NHAI along with Shapoorji Pallonji, Afcons, Gawar Construction and Bharat Construction for their work.
With the Dayod-Hanogi tunnels opening, drivers will get relief from the old difficult and landslide-prone route. Traffic from Mandi towards Pandoh, Aut and further to Kullu-Manali is expected to become smoother. The tunnels will play an important role in easing vehicle pressure and speeding up travel, especially during the tourist season.
