Anni-Luhri road closed for traffic from tomorrow

Our Correspondent

KULLU, DECEMBER 20

A portion of the Aut-Luhri National Highway-305 will remain closed for traffic from December 22 to February 22 for road broadening work. Kullu Deputy Commissioner Yunus said that in the wake of the road widening between Anni and Luhri, vehicles would be diverted from Tippal Dhar and Tihani road. He said the vehicles would be able to join the National Highway near Nimla. He appealed to commuters to cooperate during the highway widening work.

The Aut-Luhri NH-305 remains closed for four months during winters due to heavy snowfall in higher reaches, especially at the 10,800-ft high Jalori Pass. The highway is the lone road which connects the outer Seraj Valley with the district headquarters at Kullu. Residents have been demanding a motorable tunnel under the pass for several decades. Despite many proposals by various governments, the proposal is yet to see the light of day.

Landslides at Mashnu Nullah and Kot Nullah frequently disrupt traffic on the stretch.

The road was washed away in a cloudburst five years ago. Residents of the area rue that the highway authorities have failed to take concrete steps to prevent landslips and rock fall in the landslide-prone areas on the highway.