Work on Una-Bihru section of NH begins

Our Correspondent

Una, October 28

The work on the 15.75-km-long Una to Bihru section of National Highway (NH) 503A, sanctioned by the previous Narendra Modi-led Central government in Una district, has finally begun. A sum of Rs 51.09 crore will be spent on the project.

The road stretch is among the many national highways of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh whose foundation stones were collectively laid by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari at Gaggal in Kangra district on February 24. The total cost of the road projects was Rs 4,459.24 crore.

NH503A is being constructed in parts and when complete, the 217-km-long highway will connect Amritsar with Bhota via Hoshiarpur, Pandoga, Una, Pirnigaha and Bihru.

“Bihru village is located on the banks of the Gobind Sagar reservoir of the Bhakra dam in Una district and a detailed project report for constructing a bridge over the reservoir connecting Bihru with Lathiani is being prepared,” said NHAI sources.

RK Sharma, assistant engineer, NHAI, Una subdivision, said the existing road from Una to Bihru via Malahat and Pir Nigaha would be widened and its upgrade would take about a year. He said the road would be 5-m wide.

Sharma said while the existing road alignment would not be changed, some sharp curves would be eased out. New retaining walls and other structures would be raised. “The road will provide an alternative and shorter route to people travelling from Una to Bhakra, Thanakalan, Bangana and Hamirpur,” he said.