In giving speed to the development chariot of Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh, the Narendra Modi government at the Center has once again emerged as a trouble-shooter. Amidst the ongoing political turmoil and economic challenges in the state, the Central Government has taken another historic decision in the interest of Himachal. The Central Government has given in-principle approval to the long proposed Pandoh Bypass Fourlane Project under the Kiratpur-Manali Fourlane Project.
This decision of the Modi government, which has been gifting big infrastructure projects to Himachal from time to time, will not only change the face of the region at a cost of crores of rupees, but will also completely ensure the safety of the Pandoh Dam, which is of strategic and national importance. Let us tell you that during the last few years, the Central Government has accelerated the pace of development in the state by approving many big projects like all-weather roads, four-lane projects, tunnel construction and expansion of national highways. Now the approval given to Pandoh Bypass is also being considered an important part of that chain.
Dam safety and traffic solutions
Pandoh area has been facing traffic pressure and security challenges for a long time. At present, most of the traffic on the Kiratpur-Manali fourlane passes through Pandoh Bazaar and near the Dam, which often leads to traffic jams. Keeping in mind the sensitivity of Pandoh Dam, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) changed the alignment of the bypass and prepared a new route. The Central Government has approved this revised scheme. After the completion of the project, not only will the traffic system be better, but the security of the strategically important Pandoh Dam will also be strengthened.
Traffic will pass through two modern tunnels
Under the new plan, about 3.75 km long bypass will be constructed. The biggest feature of the project will be that two state-of-the-art tunnels of about 900-900 meters long will be built in it. Apart from this, construction of two bridges is also proposed on the route. The new alignment will pass near Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and vehicles will be able to pass through the tunnels directly near Kainchi Mod. With this, thousands of vehicles will not need to pass through Pandoh Bazaar and Dam area, which will reduce travel time as well as increase road safety.
Project worth crores of rupees will change the picture of the area
Pandoh Bypass is being counted among the most important road projects of Mandi district. The construction of the project is expected to give new impetus to tourism, trade and transportation activities. Local people say that approval of this project which has been pending for years will give a new direction to the development of the area. Especially the tourists and commercial vehicles going towards Kullu-Manali, Lahaul-Spiti and Leh will get direct benefit from it.
Land acquisition process will start
NHAI is now going to start the process of private land acquisition for the project. A proposal has also been sent under the Forest (Conservation) Act for necessary approvals related to forest land. According to officials, tenders will be issued as soon as all the statutory processes are completed and after that the construction work will be speeded up. The process of selection of dumping sites for the project has also been started.
Himachal’s development chariot will get new momentum
The approval given to Pandoh Bypass is not just a road project but is being considered an important investment for the future of Himachal. There are many benefits associated with this project like safety of the dam, relief from traffic jams, promotion of tourism and regional development. In such a situation, this project can change the picture of travel on Mandi and Kullu-Manali route in the coming years.