New Bridge at Rangri to Link Aleu Village with National Highway; MLA Lays Foundation for Rs. 15-Crore Project.
Shimla:
A new motorable bridge and connecting road will be constructed over the Beas River at Rangri to connect Aleu village with the National Highway, a project expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the Manali region in Kullu district. The foundation stone for the Rs. 15-crore project was laid on Sunday by Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur.
Speaking after the ceremonial groundbreaking, the MLA said the bridge will connect the double-lane left bank road with the National Highway across the Beas River. The project, estimated to cost Rs. 15 crore, includes both the bridge and the approach road.
Gaur directed officials from the Public Works Department and the contractor to ensure that the construction work is completed within the stipulated timeframe. He emphasized that the project would bring significant relief to traffic congestion in and around Manali, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Once completed, the bridge will offer an alternative route for residents and travellers. People living on the left bank of the river who wish to travel towards Kullu will no longer need to pass through Manali town and can instead reach their destination directly. Similarly, residents from the right bank will be able to access the left bank without entering Manali city.
The MLA said the bridge will not only shorten travel distance but will also open new opportunities for tourism, trade, and local development in the region. He added that the project will improve connectivity and enhance the overall quality of life for local residents.
Criticizing previous governments, Gaur remarked that the region had been neglected despite them remaining in power for 15 years. He said the bridge should have been constructed much earlier and reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling development promises for the Manali constituency.
Several officials and local representatives were present at the event, including Executive Engineer Anoop Sharma, DSP K.D. Sharma, Naveen Tanwar, D.R. Joshi, Taru Negi, Durga Dutt, Som Dutt Sharma, Sohan Singh, Monica Bharti, and Pushpa Katoch.
