Mandi: Entry to Four-Lane Highway Near Tunnel to Be Closed, Road to Remain Exit-Only

Mandi, May 1: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to permanently close the temporary entry point to the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway located near the newly constructed bypass tunnels outside Mandi town. While a connecting road from the tunnels leads into Mandi, there will no longer be an option to access the highway from this point.

This temporary access was created during ongoing construction work and gradually became a frequently used entry point onto the highway. However, its unplanned use has led to frequent accidents in the area, prompting NHAI to take this step.

Project Director of the Kiratpur-Manali Four-Lane Project, Varun Chari, explained that the temporary entry was only meant to facilitate construction activities. With work nearing completion, the point will now be sealed off permanently.

Motorists approaching from Sundernagar can still exit the highway toward Mandi via the designated road just before the tunnels. However, those attempting to enter the highway from Mandi must take the Sauli Khad route or use the designated U-turn near Windrawani, which comes after passing through both tunnels.

This change aims to streamline traffic flow and enhance road safety in the area.