New Delhi, May 22: Five tunnels constructed along the Kiratpur-Manali highway, spanning from Hanogi to Jhalogi in the Mandi district, have been made accessible to traffic on a trial basis. While the tunnels are yet to be officially inaugurated, their opening marks a significant milestone in the strategic and tourism aspects of the region. Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, shared this development on Twitter, highlighting the importance of these tunnels in enhancing road safety and facilitating smoother travel experiences.Improved Safety and Connectivity:Previously, the stretch from Hanogi to Jhalogi on the Kiratpur-Manali highway was prone to hazards such as falling stones and road flooding during the rainy season. As a result, this section had to be closed for public safety. However, with the completion of these tunnels, the risk of such incidents has been mitigated. Nitin Gadkari emphasized that travelers will now experience safer and more convenient journeys, free from the challenges posed by natural elements.<blockquote class=twitter-tweet><p lang=hi dir=ltr>सामरिक एवं पर्यटन दृष्टि से महत्वपूर्ण किरतपुर - मनाली 4-लेन परियोजना के मंडी जिले में पंडोह से ओट तक 10 टनल्स बनाई जा रही हैं जिनमें हनोगी से झलोगी तक 5 टनल पूर्ण रुप से तैयार हो चुकी है। इन टनल को ट्रायल के लिए खोला जा रहा है। <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/PragatiKaHighway?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc^tfw>#PragatiKaHighway</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/GatiShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc^tfw>#GatiShakti</a> <a href=https://t.co/Ggq1OnRwzL>pic.twitter.com/Ggq1OnRwzL</a></p>&mdash; Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) <a href=https://twitter.com/nitin_gadkari/status/1658862280308842497?ref_src=twsrc^tfw>May 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset=utf-8></script>Positive Impact on Tourism:The tunnels not only contribute to road safety but also hold significant importance from a tourism perspective. By enhancing connectivity and accessibility, these infrastructural developments are expected to attract more tourists to the region. The improved road conditions will provide a seamless travel experience, allowing visitors to explore the scenic beauty and cultural offerings of the area.Nitin Gadkari further revealed that the completion of the road work from Kiratpur to Nerchowk and from Pandoh to Takoli is in progress. Once these sections are finalized, an official inauguration ceremony is proposed to be conducted, with the honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned as the chief guest. This symbolic event will mark a momentous occasion for the people of Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh, enhancing connectivity and heralding new opportunities for economic growth and tourism.The opening of the five tunnels on the Chandigarh-Manali highway on a trial basis brings optimism and excitement for improved road safety and enhanced tourism prospects. The completion of these tunnels signifies a significant milestone in the overall development of the region, as it ensures safer travel experiences and boosts connectivity. As the road work progresses and the official inauguration approaches, the community eagerly anticipates the positive impacts these infrastructural advancements will bring to Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh.
