NHAI proposes upgrade, widening of Kullu-Manali left bank highway

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed to upgrade and widen the Kullu-Manali left bank road to four lanes at a cost of Rs 5,621 crore.

The plan for this 35-km road stretch from Kullu to Prini is designed to improve safety and streamline traffic flow in the region that sees frequent natural disasters. The decision to shift the alignment to the left bank has been taken considering severe damage caused to the existing right-bank double-lane road during the monsoons in 2023 and 2025. The proposed route will feature two twin-tube tunnels, each over 3-km long, allowing two-way traffic and enhancing resilience against floods and landslides.

If approved, construction is expected to begin next year and completed by 2029. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has emphasised the importance of safe and efficient connectivity for this vital stretch and directed officials concerned to prioritise public safety and advanced engineering. The highway will have 34.97-km length and include two major junctions on the Kullu bypass and Prini, along with 32 minor junctions. The supporting infrastructure will include a 5,000 square foot NHAI guesthouse at Prini, a toll plaza, and parking facilities for 1,000 vehicles — 400 near the Kullu bypass, 300 near Ramshila (primarily for buses), and for 300 vehicles at Prini.

At present, the left bank road spans 38.85 km with a carriageway width of 5.5 metres and a right of way of 11.3 metres. The new design will double the right of way to 24 metres. The alignment will follow the existing road from Kullu to Naggar and then realign towards Manali to ensure smoother traffic flow. The route serves densely populated areas and tourist hubs like Naggar, which are lined with residential and commercial establishments.

The project will require 476 bighas and the NHAI has already acquired 52 bighas. The remaining 424 bighas will be acquired from local landowners and the Forest Department. Land compensation alone is estimated at Rs 2,298 crore while the civil construction and related works will cost Rs 3,833 crore.

Environmental challenges are significant, as over 9,000 trees are slated to be removed, including from 38 bighas of forestland. However, compensatory afforestation is planned — three trees to be planted for every one cut.

The highway is being designed to accommodate traffic projections through 2045. The current traffic between Kullu and Manali stands at 6,873 passenger car units (PCUs) and is expected to rise to 20,094 PCUs by 2045. The Prini junction will connect routes to the Solang valley, Rohtang and Lahaul while the Kullu bypass will connect Akhara Bazaar and Bajaura.

Safety remains the top priority, as advanced engineering measures have been planned to mitigate the risks of landslides and floods. Gadkari has reiterated that public safety will not be compromised. NHAI Project Director Varun Chari says that the proposal is in its draft stage and will replace earlier plans involving flyovers and a tunnel from Aleo to Manali, which had a much lower budget of Rs 500 crore. Though announcements had been made earlier to improve this road, including an Rs 1,000 crore road widening plan in 2024, poor maintenance and recurring damage have made its upgrade essential. The new highway promises modern and reliable connectivity for decades to come.