NHAI urged to expedite Pandoh bypass construction

Residents of Pandoh in Mandi district have expressed their frustration over the prolonged delay in the construction of a bypass, which is crucial to alleviate the severe traffic congestion that plagues the Pandoh market.

Locals argue that the bypass, once completed, would provide a much-needed alternative route, reducing traffic bottleneck that had become a daily challenge for residents and commuters alike. The issue has gained urgency as the completion of other major parts of the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project, including the sections from Kiratpur to Mandi and from Aut to Manali, has been achieved. However, the segment passing through Pandoh, which includes the construction of the bypass, remains incomplete.

Local residents Balkrishan Gaurav Verma and Pawan Kumar have voiced their concerns, while stressing that the surrounding areas had witnessed progress, but the bypass project had been delayed, further exacerbating traffic problems in Pandoh.

In response to growing dissatisfaction, an official of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said, “Geo-tech survey is currently being conducted to finalise the alignment of Pandoh bypass. The survey report will be submitted to the NHAI headquarters for review. Once the alignment for the bypass is approved, construction work will begin promptly.”

Delays in the ongoing Pandoh bypass project have caused significant inconvenience to residents and travellers, who continue to face long traffic jams. Residents have urged the government to prioritise the construction of the Pandoh bypass, while emphasising that its completion would ease the traffic congestion on this critical route.