Early bus service on Kiratpur-Manali, Aut-Luhri highways a big challenge

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, September 22

With just nine days left for the commencement of the International Kullu Dasehra Festival, the authorities are racing against time to restore the Aut-Luhri National Highway-305 and the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway between Kullu and Manali, both were heavily damaged due to landslides and floods during the monsoon.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state PWD have set an ambitious target to resume bus services on both routes before the festival begins. While temporary passage for small vehicles has been restored on these highways, heavy vehicle movement like those of state transport buses remains suspended, causing inconvenience to locals and tourists alike.

At present, buses between Kullu and Manali are routed via the left bank road, which has become a vital alternative since the main highway suffered extensive damage. The Aut-Banjar-Sainj stretch of the NH-305 has not seen any bus operations for nearly three months, while the National Highway-3 between Kullu and Manali has been out of service for over a month. Banjar area residents voiced concerns about relying solely on expensive taxi service.

SDM, Banjar, Pankaj Sharma stated that the restoration work on the National Highway-305 was in full swing and over 20 machines had been engaged to ensure that the route was reopened for buses before Dasehra. He acknowledged the challenging terrain and damage but expressed hope that the highway would be made operational in time for the festival.

Varun Chari, Project Director of the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway project, stated that the district administrations of Mandi and Kullu had identified 17 critical repair points along the highway. “Out of these, 14 points have been rectified and work is progressing on the remaining three,” he said. However, full restoration may take more time due to heavy structural damage.

To ease pressure, the NHAI has allocated Rs 4 crore to the Kullu district administration for upgrading the left bank road, enabling movement of heavy vehicles until the main highway is restored.

The urgency is not only about ensuring comfortable travel for festival goers, but also for the safe arrival of local deities, who travel by road to participate in the world-famous Dasehra celebrations. The restoration is also crucial for the tourism and hospitality sector, which anticipates a boost following the festival.