NHAI starts steps to restore Kiratpur-Manali Section damaged by floods, landslides
By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Aug 30 (BVI): With the flash floods and landslides severely damaging the Kiratpur-Pandoh-Kullu-Manali corridor, the National Highways Authorities of India (NHAI) has initiated steps to repair the crucial roadway section.
NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav has held a meeting with senior officials from NHAI Headquarters along with field officers from Regional Office, Shimla to review the situation and undertake immediate restoration/ improvement works on the Kiratpur-Pandoh-Kullu-Manali section of NH-21 in Himachal Pradesh, officials said.
The restoration work will include 10 locations on Kullu-Manali section that have been completely washed away and five locations that have been partially damaged by torrent rains/floods resulting in cutting off connectivity to the tourist town of Manali from the rest of the state through NH-21.
The alternate road by Himachal Pradesh PWD has also witnessed damages, therefore, only light vehicles have been diverted through HP PWD Road. NHAI has also decided to extend financial support to HP PWD for immediate restoration and maintenance of PWD road which is being used by National Highway traffic.
Keeping in view the inaccessibility, temporary restoration measures will be undertaken by NHAI to provide immediate restoration of connectivity. For this purpose, adequate funds have been sanctioned to NHAI Regional Office, Shimla for undertaking immediate emergent works.
Also, the maintenance contractor available at site has been mobilized by NHAI, and temporary restoration of the highway section is being carried out on war footing.
Additionally, permanent restoration will be undertaken of other locations that have been damaged by rains/floods on the Kiratpur- Pandoh-Manali section. A detailed project report for the permanent restoration is in progress.
Various options for permanent restoration are being explored which inter alia include construction of tunnels, elevated structures and slope stabilization.
For short-term rectification, a sum of around Rs.100 crores has been sanctioned by NHAI.
Measures are also being taken for long-term solutions of these stretches.
Severe torrent rains, floods and cloudbursts have caused damage to National Highways in hilly regions, disrupting transportation and affecting local communities.
NHAI is actively working on restoration and safety measures to ensure quick recovery and minimize further impact on travel and commerce in these vulnerable areas. (BVI)
