Revamp of Basa-Lanj road brings hope to locals

The much-needed improvement of the Basa-Lanj road, a crucial link to the renowned Masrur heritage site and Pong Wetland, has finally begun. Spearheaded by the Public Works Department (PWD), the project employs Full Depth Reclamation (FDR), a modern road construction technique expected to significantly enhance the road’s durability and lifespan.

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This 8-km stretch under the PWD Division Jawali had long been a cause of concern for both locals and tourists. Over the years, the road had completely worn out, with no traces of bitumen left, leading to severe travel issues and a sharp drop in tourist visits to Masrur and Pong.

The ongoing construction has ignited fresh hope among residents and tourism stakeholders. PWD Executive Engineer Manohal Lal Sharma informed The Tribune that pucca drains will also be constructed along the road to support long-term infrastructure stability. The Delhi-based firm Incka Kavery, entrusted with the project, aims to open the road to traffic before the monsoon season, although work on drains and protection walls will continue.

The FDR is considered an eco-friendly and cost-effective road-building method. It involves recycling existing road materials, blending them with cement and specific chemicals to create a stronger base. The resulting roads are known for their resilience against weather damage and heavy traffic, promising a longer service life compared to traditional asphalt roads.

As construction continues at a rapid pace, the restoration of this vital route is set to bring both convenience to the local population and a potential revival in tourist activity in this scenic part of Himachal Pradesh.