Rs 24 crore project to fix dangerous stretch between Kiratpur-Manali tunnels
The hazardous stretch between tunnel number one and two on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway is set to be improved at an estimated cost of Rs 24 crore. This 300-metre stretch had become a major safety concern due to unscientific vertical hill cutting, leading to frequent rockfalls. The steep, exposed hill face made it nearly impossible for highway authorities to control the falling debris.
Although no major accidents have been reported so far, several vehicles have sustained damage after being hit by falling rocks and stones. Construction experts reportedly tried multiple solutions, including rock netting and bolting thick wire mesh into the hillside, but none proved effective.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), responsible for the highway’s construction, had to close the hillside lanes and divert all traffic to the valley-side lanes. This led to severe bottlenecks and frequent traffic jams, disrupting smooth travel along this busy route.
To permanently address the issue, NHAI has awarded the repair work to Gawar Construction Company. The company’s Project Manager confirmed that the work is already in progress and is expected to be completed within eight months. As part of the solution, the hill will be re-cut at a gentle slope instead of a vertical drop. This method aims to reduce rockfalls and ensure better stability of the hill, enabling the safe restoration of traffic on the hillside lanes.
The project is expected to significantly enhance road safety and ease traffic flow in the area once completed.
