Sumdho-Gramphu road to be thrown open by May 25

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, May 19

Bad weather has delayed the restoration of the Sumdho-Kaza-Gramphu road for traffic movement in tribal district of Lahaul Spiti. After restoration of Manali-Leh highway for traffic movement on March 29, the BRO was planning to restore Sumdho-Kaza-Gramphu road by the end of April.

But bad weather and frequent heavy snowfall in the region during April badly affected the snow-clearing operation.

The residents of Spiti region in Lahaul Spiti district are waiting desperately for the restoration of this road for traffic movement because it would provide them easier access to Lahaul valley and Manali directly from Spiti valley. Otherwise, they have to travel a very long distance via Shimla to gain access to Lahaul valley or Manali.

The BRO has now intensified its snow-clearing operation on the road. It is expected that BRO will restore this road for traffic movement by May 25.

The Sumdho-Kaza-Gramphu road is strategically important. It connects the Lahaul valley and Kinnaur district with Spiti region. Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur districts of Himachal Pradesh share boundaries with the neighboring country China. Hence, this road is crucial for defence purpose as well.

According to official sources, now BRO machinery and workforce is moving ahead from both Batal and Gramphu sides to connect the road for traffic movement.

Additional District Magistrate Kaza, Gyan Sagar Negi, when contacted, told The Tribune that the BRO workforce was working hard to restore this road till May 25 provided the weather remained favourable and did not cause any disruption in work.

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