Himachal Pradesh's Jalori Jot Tunnel Project Receives Central Approval
Significant Infrastructure Development in Himachal Pradesh
Munish Sood
MANDI: In a significant advancement for infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh has revealed that the Central Government has granted in-principle approval for the construction of the Jalori Jot Tunnel on National Highway-305 (NH-305).
This long-anticipated project is set to be included in the Union budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, facilitating year-round access to remote areas of the state. The announcement came after a recent meeting between PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh and the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi, where the urgency and strategic significance of the project were discussed.
Singh stated that the central government’s response was “extremely positive,” and the official approval process is now underway.
Project Overview and Its Importance
The Jalori Jot Tunnel is expected to be transformative for the Anni and Banjar valleys, which are often isolated from the rest of the state for several months each year due to heavy snowfall at the Jalori Pass (elevation 10,800 ft).
• Length of Tunnel: Approximately 4.16 km, linking Khanag (Anni side) to Sojha (Banjar side)
• Total route length: Including approach roads, the project covers over 11.76 km
• Estimated cost: Roughly ₹1,452 crore, according to the preliminary Detailed Project Report (DPR)
• Initial funding: ₹267 crore has already been approved as the first installment
• Anticipated benefits: Reduces travel distance by about 8 km and ensures all-weather access for over 70 panchayats in the Kullu region.
“This tunnel will not only cut down travel time and enhance road safety but will also provide significant socio-economic advantages to the local communities, including tourism, agriculture, and emergency services,” remarked Minister Vikramaditya Singh.
Singh has been actively advocating for essential development projects in his area. In addition to the Jalori tunnel, he has secured approvals for 60 new rural roads under PMGSY-IV and is pushing for a dedicated PWD division for Anni to improve project execution and oversight.
“This initiative is not merely about connectivity; it aims to revitalize the interior regions of Himachal, which have been sidelined in terms of development due to challenging terrain and weather conditions,” Singh emphasized.
Future Steps for the Project
With the central government’s approval in hand, the Himachal Pradesh government is poised to proceed with:
• Finalizing the Detailed Project Report (DPR)
• Land acquisition and obtaining environmental clearances
• Tendering and contractor selection
• Groundbreaking, anticipated within the fiscal year 2025-26.
A Transformational Initiative for Himachal Pradesh
Upon completion, the Jalori Jot Tunnel will represent one of the most significant infrastructural milestones in the state's history, ensuring year-round access to remote valleys, enhancing tourism in areas like the Tirthan and Seraj Valleys, and serving as a crucial link for disaster response and logistics. This project also aligns with the national strategy to bolster connectivity in border and tribal regions, particularly in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan area.
Minister Singh concluded on a hopeful note, expressing gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his swift support. “Himachal is advancing with renewed vigor and dedication to infrastructure excellence,” he stated.