Safety Concerns Mount Over Deteriorating Condition of Himachal Pradesh’s Aut Tunnel

Poor lighting inside the tunnel hampers visibility, making driving conditions unsafe.

The Himachal Pradesh Travel Agents Association (HPTAA) has raised serious safety concerns over the deteriorating state of the Aut Tunnel on the Kiratpur–Manali Highway in Mandi district — a crucial gateway connecting Kullu-Manali with the rest of the state.

In a letter addressed to Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, HPTAA President Hira Lal Rana highlighted several safety hazards endangering thousands of daily commuters. According to him, inadequate lighting, persistent water leakage, and the absence of proper safety mechanisms have led to frequent accidents and near misses — particularly for two-wheeler riders and tourists unfamiliar with the stretch.

“The lighting inside the Aut Tunnel is grossly insufficient, especially during bad weather,” Rana said. “This severely restricts visibility and creates dangerous driving conditions.” He added that multiple accidents have occurred as a result, warranting immediate intervention.

The problem of water seepage has also been cited as a major ongoing concern. HPTAA Chairman Buddhi Prakash Thakur noted, “The continuous leakage not only damages the road surface but also increases the risk of vehicles skidding — particularly during the monsoon and peak winter months.”

Another key issue highlighted is the absence of visible signage, speed limit indicators, and monitoring systems. The association argued that this lack of oversight encourages unsafe driving behavior within the tunnel and on its approach roads.

To address these safety challenges, the HPTAA has proposed the formation of a dedicated committee to oversee tunnel management and safety. The committee would be responsible for regular inspections and monitoring of essential infrastructure components — including lighting, ventilation, drainage, and emergency systems — in the Aut Tunnel and similar structures across the region.

Given the high traffic volume, the association stressed the urgent need for corrective measures to prevent future accidents. “We hope the district administration treats this matter as a priority,” Thakur said. “Any delay in action could lead to avoidable tragedies.”