Hanogi Tunnel inspected ahead of opening to traffic
Mandi, Sept 7
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Member (Projects) Vipnesh Sharma on Monday inspected the Hanogi Tunnel, a crucial component of the Kiratpur-Manali Corridor, ahead of its proposed opening to traffic.
The inspection was carried out as the tunnel nears commissioning, with NHAI officials reviewing its readiness and remaining safety requirements. The tunnel is expected to be opened for vehicular movement after a trial run in the coming days.
Sharma directed officials to complete certain safety-related requirements before allowing traffic through the tunnel. According to NHAI, the pending requirements are expected to be completed within four days, following which a traffic trial will be conducted. The tunnel will be opened for regular traffic after successful completion of the trial.
The Hanogi Tunnel is part of the Pandoh-Takoli project, one of the important sections of the Kiratpur-Manali Corridor. The opening of the tunnel is expected to provide significant relief to commuters, particularly by reducing traffic congestion and long queues in the Pandoh area. It will also help reduce travel time and distance on the busy route towards Manali.
The Pandoh-Takoli project involves the construction of five twin-tube tunnels. Two twin-tube tunnels constructed between Dayod and Hanogi form the entry section of the project. One tube of each of these tunnels is proposed to be opened initially for traffic.
One of the tunnels is 2.8 km long, while the other has a length of 650 metres. A 45-metre-high and 140-metre-long bridge has also been constructed near Khoti Nala to connect the two tunnels.
Describing the project as strategically important, Sharma appreciated the efforts of the NHAI team in completing the tunnel works on a round-the-clock basis.
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He lauded NHAI Regional Officer Colonel Ajay Singh Bargoti, PIU Mandi Project Director Varun Chari and the entire NHAI team, besides construction agencies Shapoorji Pallonji, Afcons, Gawar Construction and Bharat Construction, for their work on the project.
The opening of the Hanogi Tunnel is expected to remove a major bottleneck on the Kiratpur-Manali route and improve traffic flow through the Pandoh section.
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