New Tunnels Open to Ease Traffic Between Mandi and Kullu-Manali
Major Traffic Relief with New Tunnels
Munish Sood
Mandi
Commuters and tourists traveling between Mandi and Kullu-Manali can now enjoy a smoother journey as the newly built tunnels connecting Dayod and Hanogi on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway have been opened for one-way traffic as of Friday.
The commencement of vehicle movement through these tunnels followed a ceremonial Havan and Puja conducted by officials and staff from Shapoorji Pallonji at the site. This development is anticipated to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and minimize disruptions caused by landslides in this susceptible area, especially during the monsoon season.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the tunnel openings via social media on Thursday. The contractor officially opened the tunnels for one-way traffic on Friday after completing all necessary preparations.
Each tunnel spans approximately 3.5 kilometers and is a vital part of the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane project. Their opening allows vehicles to bypass some of the most hazardous sections between Pandoh, Takoli, and Aut, particularly around Hanogi and Dayod, which have been prone to landslides and extended traffic delays.
This new route is expected to reduce the travel distance between Mandi and Kullu from about 78 kilometers to nearly 60 kilometers, making journeys more predictable. It will also offer a safer and more reliable passage for tourists, local residents, transporters, and fruit growers, especially during the apple harvest season.
The tunnels were opened after a thorough inspection by officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). A recent inspection of the construction and readiness of the tunnels was conducted with NHAI member Vipnesh Sharma present, leading to the completion of the necessary procedures for traffic access.
Significance of the Hanogi Tunnel's Opening
The opening of these tunnels is particularly important as the Hanogi tunnel had previously sustained significant damage during the 2025 monsoon disaster. Approximately 26 meters of the area near the tunnel entrance was severely impacted, which delayed its traffic opening.
The damaged section was repaired, and essential restoration work was completed by NHAI at a cost of around Rs 50 crore, allowing for the tunnel's opening.
With the tunnels now operational for one-way traffic, commuters can expect relief from the ongoing issues of landslides and road closures on the previous route during the rainy season.
‘Traffic Flow Will Improve’
Adarsh Panotra, the team leader from Shapoorji Pallonji, confirmed that both the Dayod and Hanogi tunnels were opened for one-way traffic on Friday following the Havan and Puja.
He noted that this opening would greatly benefit commuters and is expected to enhance traffic management along the busy Mandi-Kullu corridor.
Additionally, the project is anticipated to facilitate the transportation of apples and other agricultural products from Kullu to markets outside the valley, while also improving access for tourists visiting Kullu-Manali.
The inauguration of the Dayod-Hanogi tunnels represents a significant advancement in establishing a quicker, safer, and more reliable four-lane connection between Mandi and the Kullu-Manali valley.