Diary Times News Service
Kullu, 09 August: The Kullu-Manali national highway (NH-3) will undergo significant renovation as the central government embarks on a comprehensive redevelopment plan to address long-standing landslides and flooding on the route. The decision comes in the wake of yet another monsoon season that has caused extensive damage to the highway, with landslides at various points blocking vehicular movement and creating hazardous conditions for commuters.
The highway, which is a key route for tourism and local transport, has been particularly vulnerable to monsoon rains. Heavy rains this year alone have triggered massive landslides, adding to the damage caused by last year’s monsoon, which wreaked havoc on the road. In some areas, entire stretches of the highway were completely destroyed, underscoring the urgent need for a permanent solution.
Officials have confirmed that a detailed project report (DPR) for the reconstruction of the highway will be prepared within the next two months. A dedicated team of the company responsible for the DPR is already stationed in Kullu, with an office set up in Bajaura to oversee the operations. The company will incorporate suggestions from a recent survey conducted by IIT Roorkee and IIT Mandi, which identified major vulnerabilities along the highway.
The key aspects of the project include the construction of flyovers at five dangerous locations between Pandoh and Manali, as well as the installation of RCC (reinforced cement concrete) walls along the Beas river to prevent land erosion. These measures are expected to provide a permanent solution to the recurring problems of landslides and flooding, which hit the highway especially during the monsoon season.
Emphasizing the importance of the project, NHAI Resident Engineer Ashok Chauhan said the reconstruction will provide a permanent solution to the challenges faced by both commuters and tourists. “The central government is committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of this vital highway,” Chauhan said.
The redevelopment project will focus on several vulnerable areas, including Alugound, Raisan, Bindu Dhank, 14 mile and 18 mile near Patlikuhal, which have been identified as high-risk areas. The DPR will be guided by the findings of the IIT report, ensuring that the proposed solutions are both effective and sustainable.
This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of the Kullu-Manali highway, which serves as a lifeline for the economy of the region, largely dependent on tourism and agriculture. The proposed upgradation is expected to not only mitigate risks posed by natural disasters but also improve the overall travel experience for thousands of visitors who traverse this scenic route every year.
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