Himachal Pradesh News
Manali-Leh Highway to Get Three New Tunnels, Travel Time Likely to Reduce by Four Hours
In a significant step toward improving connectivity in the Himalayan region, the Central Government has announced plans to construct three new tunnels along the strategically important Manali-Leh highway. The proposed tunnels at Baralacha La, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La are expected to provide all-weather road access between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh while making travel faster and safer.
In a significant step toward improving connectivity in the Himalayan region, the Central Government has announced plans to construct three new tunnels along the strategically important Manali-Leh highway. The proposed tunnels at Baralacha La, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La are expected to provide all-weather road access between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh while making travel faster and safer.
The announcement was made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during the breakthrough ceremony of the main tunnel at the eastern portal of the Zojila Tunnel Project in Kargil district.
Three Major Tunnel Projects in the Pipeline
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the first project involves the construction of a 13-kilometre tunnel at Baralacha La in Himachal Pradesh. The tunnel is expected to cost around ₹8,800 crore, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is likely to be completed by October this year.
A second tunnel, measuring approximately 11 kilometres, has been proposed at Lachulung La in Ladakh. The project carries an estimated cost of ₹4,500 crore, with the DPR expected to be ready before March next year.
The third proposed tunnel will be built at Tanglang La, one of the world’s highest mountain passes. The tunnel is planned to span nearly 5 kilometres and is estimated to cost around ₹250 crore. Officials expect its DPR to be finalized before December.
Journey Between Manali and Leh to Become Faster
The proposed tunnel network is expected to transform travel on the Manali-Leh highway. Government estimates suggest the projects could shorten the route by nearly 50 kilometres and reduce travel time from approximately 10 hours to just 6 hours.
Apart from saving time, the tunnels are expected to improve road safety by minimizing the impact of harsh weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and landslides, which frequently disrupt traffic on the high-altitude route.
Major Boost for Tourism in Himachal and Ladakh
Tourism stakeholders in Manali have welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a game-changing development for the region.
Industry representatives believe better connectivity will encourage more tourists from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other parts of North India to visit popular destinations in Kullu-Manali and Ladakh. The improved road network is also expected to create new business opportunities for hotels, transport operators, restaurants, and local tourism-related enterprises.
With easier access throughout the year, tourism experts expect a rise in visitor numbers, especially during peak travel seasons.
Strategic Importance for National Security
Beyond tourism, the Manali-Leh highway plays a crucial role in India’s defence infrastructure. It serves as an important route for transporting military equipment, supplies, and personnel to border areas in Ladakh.
Officials believe the new tunnels will significantly strengthen military logistics by ensuring smoother movement during adverse weather conditions. The projects are also expected to reduce disruptions caused by snow blockages and improve year-round accessibility for both civilians and security forces.
Next Phase of Himalayan Connectivity
The proposed tunnel projects are being viewed as the next major milestone in India’s Himalayan infrastructure development after the successful completion of the Atal Tunnel. The Atal Tunnel dramatically improved connectivity between Manali and the Lahaul region by providing all-weather access and reducing travel time through the Rohtang Pass area.
With the addition of the Baralacha La, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La tunnels, the Manali-Leh corridor is set to become one of the most reliable and strategically important mountain highways in the country, offering long-term benefits for tourism, trade, local communities, and national security.
