Three key NHs, Una, Chamba and Paonta stretches handed over to NHAI
BRO team during rescue and relief operations on the Manali Leh Highway
Three key NHs, Una, Chamba and Paonta stretches handed over to NHAI
Shimla, June 11
In a major development about infrastructure and connectivity in Himachal Pradesh, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken over the operation and maintenance of three additional national highways in the state.
The move is expected to improve road safety, traffic management, and overall travel experience while accelerating economic development in the region.
According to an official statement issued on Thursday, the newly transferred highways were previously being operated and maintained by the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD). With the latest addition, NHAI’s footprint in the hill state has expanded significantly.
The highways brought under NHAI’s control include the 99-kilometre-long NH-503 stretch from the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border through Una, Amb and Mubarakpur to Ranital, the 172-kilometre Pathankot-Chamba-Bharmour section of NH-154A, and the 7-kilometre section of NH-907 connecting NH-7 near Paonta Sahib with the Himachal Pradesh-Punjab border.
Officials said the transfer of these strategically important road corridors to NHAI is aimed at ensuring better maintenance standards, improved traffic flow, and enhanced road safety measures. The move is also expected to facilitate faster implementation of infrastructure upgrades and expansion projects.
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NHAI is already responsible for operating several key highways in Himachal Pradesh, including the Atal Tunnel-Shimla corridor, Pinjore-Baddi-Nalagarh highway, Kiratpur-Manali highway, Shimla-Mataur highway, and the Pathankot-Mandi highway.
With the addition of the three new stretches, NHAI will now manage a larger network of national highways across the state, strengthening connectivity between major tourist destinations, border areas, and commercial centres.
The authority said the initiative would contribute significantly to the promotion of tourism, trade and local economic activities by providing safer and more efficient transportation links. Improved highway infrastructure is also expected to reduce travel time and enhance accessibility to remote regions, particularly in Chamba district and adjoining areas.
NHAI reiterated its commitment to providing a safer, smoother and more reliable travel experience for commuters while supporting the long-term development needs of Himachal Pradesh.
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