Hanogi Tunnel Nears Opening, Set to Ease Traffic Congestion on Pandoh-Manali Route.
Shimla:
The much-awaited Hanogi Tunnel, a crucial component of the Kiratpur-Manali Corridor, is set to open for vehicular traffic soon, bringing major relief to commuters and tourists who frequently face prolonged traffic jams along the Pandoh section of the highway.
The development follows an inspection of the tunnel and associated works by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Member (Projects) Vipnesh Sharma in Mandi district on Tuesday. The tunnel, being constructed under the Pandoh-Takoli project, is expected to be opened for traffic after completion of certain remaining safety-related works and a successful traffic trial.
During the inspection, Sharma directed officials to complete the pending safety requirements on priority. According to officials, the remaining safety works are expected to be completed within the next four days, following which a traffic trial will be conducted. The tunnel will be opened for regular vehicular movement after the successful completion of the trial and final safety checks.
Major Relief Expected for Pandoh Traffic
The Pandoh Bypass is considered one of the most important sections of the Kiratpur-Manali Corridor. The opening of the Hanogi Tunnel is expected to significantly improve traffic movement through the Pandoh area, which has frequently witnessed heavy congestion and long delays, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
The new alignment will help reduce the travel distance and enable smoother movement of vehicles on the strategically important highway connecting the plains with Mandi, Kullu and Manali.
For commuters travelling towards Manali and other parts of the Kullu valley, the tunnel is expected to provide a faster and safer alternative to the existing congested stretches of the highway.
Two Twin-Tube Tunnels to Open Initially
The Pandoh-Takoli project comprises five twin-tube tunnels constructed along the challenging mountainous terrain.
Two of these tunnels, constructed between Dayod and Hanogi, form the entry section of the project. Initially, one carriageway of each of these two twin-tube tunnels will be opened for vehicular traffic.
One of the tunnels is approximately 2.8 kilometres long, while the second tunnel has a length of around 650 metres.
The tunnel infrastructure is complemented by a major bridge constructed near Khotinalla. The bridge stands approximately 45 metres high and is around 140 metres long, connecting the two tunnel sections and forming an important part of the new alignment.
NHAI Team Praised for Round-the-Clock Work
During his inspection, NHAI Member (Projects) Vipnesh Sharma highlighted the strategic importance of the project and directed the officials and executing agencies to ensure that all safety requirements were completed before opening the tunnel to regular traffic.
Sharma praised the NHAI team for completing the tunnel works while working round the clock. He particularly appreciated the efforts of NHAI Regional Officer Colonel Ajay Singh Bargoti, PIU Mandi Project Director Varun Chari, and the entire NHAI team involved in the project.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the agencies engaged in the execution of the project, including Shapoorji Pallonji, Afcons, Gawar Construction and Bharat Construction.
Officials said safety would remain the primary consideration before opening the tunnel. The proposed traffic trial will be used to assess the readiness of the tunnel and associated infrastructure for regular vehicular movement.
Jai Ram Thakur Welcomes Development
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, who reviewed the situation following a meeting with NHAI officials at Pandoh, welcomed the progress towards opening the newly constructed tunnels.
Thakur said the opening of traffic through the Hanogi tunnels would be a major benefit for both local residents and tourists travelling towards Mandi and Kullu-Manali.
He said the new tunnels would make travel safer, smoother and more convenient while reducing travel time and providing relief from prolonged traffic congestion in the Pandoh area.
With the International Kullu Dussehra approaching, Thakur said improved connectivity would be particularly beneficial for tourism and local businesses, as the festival attracts a large number of visitors to the region.
He credited the road and tunnel development works with strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s connectivity and said such infrastructure projects would provide fresh momentum to tourism, the local economy and overall development.
Boost Expected for Tourism and Local Economy
The opening of the Hanogi Tunnel is expected to have a direct impact on traffic movement between Mandi and Kullu-Manali, particularly during periods of heavy tourist inflow.
Manali and the wider Kullu valley are among Himachal Pradesh’s major tourist destinations, and traffic congestion on the existing highway has often affected travel time and the movement of commercial and tourist vehicles.
Once operational, the new tunnel and bypass alignment are expected to reduce bottlenecks, improve journey reliability and provide a smoother connection towards Manali.
The project is also being viewed as strategically important for strengthening road connectivity through the mountainous region. Improved highway infrastructure is expected to benefit not only tourists but also local residents, transport operators, traders and businesses dependent on regular movement between Mandi, Kullu and Manali.
With the final safety works and traffic trial now remaining before opening, anticipation is growing among commuters and tourism stakeholders for the Hanogi Tunnel to become operational.
The focus will now be on completion of the remaining safety requirements, successful conduct of the traffic trial and final clearance for opening the tunnel to vehicular traffic.
