After two years, there is still no construction to expand the Kullu-Manali road
The expansion of the Kullu-Naggar-Manali left bank route to two lanes, which Union Route Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari promised during his visit to Kullu in June 2021, is yet unfinished.
In January of last year, the state PWD gave the job of widening the road to two lanes to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The NHAI contracted Lion Engineering Consultants Private Ltd. in collaboration with the Synergy Engineers Group of Bhopal to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for this 38-kilometer section.
Ashok Chauhan, the NHAI Regional Engineer for Kullu, said, “The DPR work will begin after the finalization of the road alignment.” In October 2021, the PWD and the NHAI carried out a road survey. The road was formerly being built as part of State Road Project Tranche-II, which was funded by the World Bank. Satra Services and Solutions Private Limited was preparing the DPR at the time, but the project was put on hold when the NHAI took control.
The full funding for extending the road to two lanes will now come from the Central Government. A tunnel connecting Aleo to Manali, many flyovers, and large bridges are also planned for the route, which is expected to cost Rs 500 crore.
Due to the high accident rate on the newly constructed double-lane Kullu-Manali national highway (NH), locals have constantly requested that the route be widened. “There was once a proposal to enlarge the route, and it is said that property was bought for the purpose. The roadway was enlarged to two lanes solely due to geographical reasons, laments Sachin, a Manali native.
After it is broadened, traffic heading from Manali to Kullu may be rerouted along the left bank road. One-way traffic permits may contribute to lowering accidents, the speaker said.
“Widening the left bank road will also support the left bank region’s tourist industry and strengthen the local economy. According to Naggar local Karan, “the road also acts as a backup route in the event that the Kullu-Manali national highway is blocked.”
