Kullu-Manali highway partially shut for repairs

Our Correspondent
KULLU, OCTOBER 10

The Kullu-Manali right bank road will remain closed for traffic for two days due to maintenance at Kalath area near Manali. The vehicular traffic to Manali would be diverted via the left bank road. 

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Yunus said that he visited Dobhi, Patlikul, 17 Mile, Rangri and various other villages en route Kullu and Manali to assess the relief work after the damages caused by the recent rains and flood.

The DC said in the wake of recent floods the road had been damaged near Kalath. The NHAI authorities had been instructed to broaden the road to ensure smooth passage of heavy vehicles. The NHAI had also been instructed to raise the level of the road which was adjacent to the Beas. The road authority had further been directed to erect concrete RCC retaining walls for flood and landslide protection. The other things needed to be ensured as safety measures in case of floods were also discussed and reviewed.

Meanwhile, a large number of tourists were flocking the tourist town after the Rohtang Pass was thrown open by the BRO after clearing the snow. The DC said that tourist vehicles would be allowed to pass via left bank and police personnel would be deployed to ensure smooth movement of traffic. He added that the road would be thrown open as soon as the repair at Kalath area was completed. The work could be completed tomorrow. 

The other portion of the road also requires improvement, which would be carried out thereafter.

Yunus said Rs 50,000 had been provided as relief for the damaged old age home at Kalath and added that he would provide relief for the repair of damaged portion of the building. He added that Rs 10,000 relief had been provided to the persons affected due to the damages caused by recent rain and floods.

The DC said that he would ensure compensation for the houses damaged in the recent disaster and repair of the damaged public utility buildings within a week.