New Tunnels Between Kiratpur and Manali: A Game-Changer for Connectivity and Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

The Kiratpur-Manali highway, also known as National Highway 21, is a crucial road that connects the northern Indian state of Punjab to the popular tourist destination of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Launched in 2013, the project aimed to reduce the distance between Kiratpur and Manali from the existing 232 km to 197 km and cut the travel time between Manali and Chandigarh by three hours. The project has already missed its 2021 deadline, but with new tunnels being constructed, it is expected to significantly improve connectivity and tourism in the region.

Today I thought of writing this blogpost when my friend Narender Sharma shared recent photographs and videos of newly built tunnels & 4-lane highway, which shorted the drive to my home by 2 hrs. Many of the videos shared in this post are shot by him. The Kiratpur-Manali highway, also known as National Highway 21, is a crucial road that connects the northern Indian state of Punjab to the popular tourist destination of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Launched in 2013, the project aimed to reduce the distance between Kiratpur and Manali from the existing 232 km to 197 km and cut the travel time between Manali and Chandigarh by three hours. The project has already missed its 2021 deadline, but with new tunnels being constructed, it is expected to significantly improve connectivity and tourism in the region.

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The project includes the construction of 14 tunnels, of which five have already been completed and opened for trial runs. These modern tunnels, built using the latest technology and safety standards, are expected to reduce travel time and make travel along this stretch of the highway much safer. The stretch of the highway between Hanogi to Jhalog was the most treacherous, as it was prone to falling rocks, landslides, and flooding by the Beas River that ran along it. With the opening of these five tunnels, travel is expected to become much safer and cut down on the commute time.

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Video by Narender Sharma

The much-awaited tunnels between Kiratpur and Ghumarwin have finally been opened, providing a major boost to connectivity and reducing travel time by up to 2 hours. The tunnels are part of the Kiratpur-Manali highway project and were built to reduce travel time and improve safety on this crucial road that connects Punjab to the popular tourist destination of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The opening of these tunnels is expected to benefit the local economy and boost tourism in the region. It's a significant achievement for the government and a testament to its commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity in the country. While the tunnels can save travel time, commuters and tourists should always prioritize safety and follow traffic rules while driving through them.

Video by Narender Sharma

The new tunnels are expected to reduce travel time significantly, as travelers can now bypass the congested and treacherous roads that run through the towns of Bilaspur and Mandi. The tunnels will help to reduce travel time between Kiratpur and Manali by approximately 2 hrs, depending on traffic conditions. This time-saving is significant, especially for tourists who want to spend more time exploring the beautiful landscape of Himachal Pradesh.

Video by Narender Sharma

The tunnels are not only expected to reduce travel time but also improve safety. These modern tunnels are built to withstand heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions, making travel much safer for commuters and tourists. The reduction in travel time and improvement in safety are expected to significantly boost tourism in the region, benefiting both local businesses and the economy.

Video by Narender Sharma

The Kiratpur-Manali highway project includes the construction of a total of 37 bridges, 14 tunnels, an elevated viaduct, and double-lane of 13-km highway stretch with slope protection, culverts, retaining walls, drainage, and many other features. Once complete, the NHAI claims that it will reduce the number of road accidents and ensure smooth flow of traffic. The project is also expected to save an estimated ₹900-1,000 crore per annum in fuel and maintenance cost, while also curtailing environmental pollution.

Video by Narender Sharma

The new tunnels being constructed between Kiratpur and Manali are a game-changer for connectivity and tourism in the region. These modern tunnels are expected to reduce travel time and improve safety, making travel much more comfortable and convenient for commuters and tourists alike. The reduction in distance and travel time, along with improved safety, is expected to boost tourism and local businesses, benefiting the region's economy. The project is a testament to the government's commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity in the country, and it is important that the project is completed as soon as possible to realise its full potential.