NHAI Plans Six Hundred Meter Diversion Tunnel To Restore Kiratpur Manali Highway

Mandi : In a major infrastructure initiative to establish a climate-resilient transport network, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalized structural blueprints to construct a 600-meter-long diversion tunnel. This underground bypass aims to permanently restore and secure the critical Kiratpur-Manali road link, which has faced chronic disruptions due to severe hill slips and flash floods.

The targeted stretch of the four-lane highway has historically been highly vulnerable to catastrophic land failure. Recent intense monsoon spells triggered massive mountain slides, washing away extensive portions of the surface asphalt and heavily compromising the geological stability of the existing alignment. Recognizing that traditional retaining walls and standard concrete reinforcements are no longer sufficient against escalating ecological shifts, NHAI engineers opted for an advanced subterranean solution to bypass the active landslide zone entirely.

According to senior NHAI technical officials, the proposed horseshoe-shaped tunnel will safely divert vehicular traffic through the stable core of the mountain, isolating commuters from the fragile cliffside. The project layout incorporates cutting-edge engineering standards, including rock-bolting, automated shotcrete lining, and advanced seismic monitoring systems. Additionally, the interior will feature high-efficiency jet fans for continuous ventilation, smart LED illumination arrays, and dedicated emergency exit niches every 100 meters.

Pre-construction geological drilling and core sampling are already underway to assess rock mass quality before mechanical excavation starts. NHAI is processing rapid environmental clearances and mobilizing specialized underground tunneling machinery on a war footing. By creating a reliable, all-weather bypass beneath the slide zone, the authority expects to drastically reduce seasonal travel blockades, ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the strategic upper Lahaul-Leh regions, and provide a secure, high-speed corridor for international and domestic tourists visiting the Kullu valley.