In the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, a strategically significant and touristically important route, the Kirtpur-Manali forelane, has been completed up to Sundernagar in Mandi. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the guidance of project director Varun Chari, has submitted the proposal for the inauguration of this crucial stretch to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The anticipation for its official unveiling is building, marking a pivotal step in advancing the region’s connectivity and infrastructure.
NHAI’s Varun Chari has confirmed the submission of the proposal, and the MoRTH has taken the additional step of requesting time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to officiate the inauguration ceremony for the four-lane road, spanning from Kiratpur in Punjab to Sundernagar in Mandi. This development underscores the road’s strategic importance and its role in enhancing connectivity in the region.
While awaiting the green signal from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for the formal inauguration, the NHAI has completed the four-lane construction from Kiratpur to Sundernagar, with traffic already operational on this segment. The impending inauguration, eagerly anticipated in the region, holds the promise of boosting both local and tourist transportation, fostering economic development, and marking a significant milestone in the enhancement of Himachal Pradesh’s road infrastructure. Should Prime Minister Modi’s schedule not permit, the option of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurating the project remains under consideration. The completion and impending inauguration of this four-lane stretch signify a crucial advancement in the state’s transportation network, bringing both strategic and touristic benefits to the forefront.
Specification of Kiratpur-Manali 4 Lane
Undergoing construction with a budget of ₹2,100 crore, the 87-km highway incorporates five tunnels and 14 bridges. It is furnished with closed-circuit television cameras and an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), imposing a maximum speed limit of 60 km/hour. The ITMS is designed to automatically generate challans for instances of speeding violations.