NHAI Approves ₹60 Crore Repair Project for Hanogi Tunnel and Bridge on Kiratpur-Manali Highway to Improve Traffic Flow

In a significant move to improve road safety and ensure uninterrupted travel on the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved an emergency restoration project worth ₹60.18 crore for the damaged Hanogi Tunnel (T4-02) and Hanogi Bridge in Mandi district.

The project is aimed at restoring smooth traffic movement on the crucial Pandoh-Takoli stretch, which has witnessed frequent disruptions due to landslides and structural damage since the devastating monsoon of 2023.

Restoration Work to Begin Immediately

The emergency repair work will be executed by M/s Gawar Mandi Highways Pvt. Ltd., the developer of the nearby Bijni-Mandi highway project. Since the contractor has already deployed manpower, machinery, and equipment in the area, NHAI has decided to proceed under the Change of Scope provision instead of issuing a fresh tender. This decision is expected to speed up the restoration process and provide quicker relief to commuters.

₹58.77 Crore Allocated for Hanogi Tunnel

The largest share of the project, approximately ₹58.77 crore, has been allocated for the permanent restoration of the right-hand tube of Hanogi Tunnel (T4-02).

The work will include advanced engineering measures such as rock stabilisation through consolidation and polyurethane grouting, installation of drainage systems to reduce water pressure, reinforced concrete support structures, pre-stressed rock anchors, permanent steel ribs, fresh tunnel lining, and complete restoration of the roadway before reopening the tunnel to traffic.

Hanogi Bridge Repair to Strengthen Safety

The Hanogi Bridge will undergo repairs costing around ₹1.41 crore. The restoration includes repairing foundation cracks through epoxy grouting, strengthening bridge substructures, replacing damaged bearings and expansion joints, lifting bridge girders, and conducting load testing to ensure the bridge meets safety standards before reopening.

Part of ₹290 Crore Corridor Restoration Plan

According to Varun Chari, Project Director, NHAI, the emergency works form part of a larger ₹290 crore corridor restoration and stabilisation programme for the Pandoh-Takoli section of the highway.

The corridor has remained vulnerable to repeated landslides and slope failures over the past few years, forcing traffic onto narrow diversion roads and creating severe congestion. Traffic queues have often stretched up to 4.5 kilometres on both sides of the affected stretch.

Four-Lane Connectivity to Be Restored Before Monsoon

Once the repair work is completed, the reopening of the right-hand tunnel tube will restore the four-lane carriageway between Mandi, Kullu, and Manali, significantly improving traffic flow for tourists, local commuters, and commercial vehicles.

NHAI has prioritised the project for completion before the peak monsoon season to minimise further damage to diversion routes and enhance commuter safety.

NHAI Chooses Faster Execution Over Fresh Tender

Officials said that although the damaged structures originally fell under the concessionaire’s responsibility, the urgency of restoring traffic prompted NHAI to assign the work to the contractor already working nearby. This approach is expected to reduce delays and accelerate completion.

The condition of the highway corridor has also come under the scrutiny of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, with NHAI reiterating that the ongoing restoration is focused on providing safe, reliable, and uninterrupted connectivity to the public at the earliest.

Read Also : Sirmaur Exports Cross ₹3,200 Crore as Himachal District Targets Bigger Global Footprint