NHAI commissions 4.5-km bypass on Shimla-Mataur corridor; 593-metre twin-tube tunnel

himachaleditor November 1, 2026 2 minutes read

Shimla, Nov 1

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has opened the much-awaited Kangra bypass on the Shimla-Mataur National Highway corridor for vehicular traffic on a trial basis from November 1, 2026, following completion of a 155-metre-long major bridge over the Riyund Khad.

The bypass, constructed as part of the Bhangbar-Kangra section of NH-503, is expected to ease traffic congestion in Kangra town and provide smoother connectivity to Dharamshala and McLeodganj, particularly during the peak tourist season.

The 4.5-km bypass is an important infrastructure component of the Shimla-Mataur corridor. It incorporates a 593-metre-long twin-tube tunnel, three major bridges with a combined length of approximately 477 metres, a 160-metre-long viaduct and a 455-metre-long railway overbridge-cum-viaduct. The recently completed 155-metre bridge over Riyund Khad has enabled the opening of the bypass for trial traffic.

With the commissioning of the new alignment, the distance on this stretch will be reduced from approximately eight kilometres to 4.5 kilometres. The diversion is expected to reduce the volume of through traffic passing through the existing congested road network in Kangra town, cutting travel time and delays for commuters.

The bypass will particularly benefit tourists travelling towards Dharamshala and McLeodganj, besides local residents and commercial vehicles using the highway. Improved connectivity is also expected to facilitate tourism, trade and other economic activities in the Kangra region.

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NHAI has cautioned motorists that the road has initially been opened on a trial basis and urged them to observe prescribed speed limits, follow traffic signs and road safety regulations, and comply with instructions issued by personnel deployed along the route.

The opening of the bypass marks an important step in improving highway infrastructure and traffic movement along the Shimla-Mataur corridor.