BRO to widen Sansari-Killar-Tandi road to improve Lahaul-J&K connectivity
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has announced a plan to widen and upgrade the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road to improve connectivity between Lahaul and Spiti district and Jammu and Kashmir. The project, which spans up to 19.50 km, from 19.50 km to 30.645 km, and 40 km to 70 km, aims to transform the 125-km road into a double-lane national highway.
To facilitate this ambitious project, the Lahaul and Spiti Assistant Commissioner has issued notifications for land acquisition in the region, in line with the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. The Revenue Department’s notifications, dated October 24 and 29, have been distributed to the concerned panchayats by the office of Naib Tehsildar recently. These notifications mark the beginning of the land acquisition process, as the local communities are asked to provide their consent for the acquisition.
According to the notification, the relevant panchayats must hold special gram sabha meetings and submit consent letters to the office of the Assistant Commissioner (Rehabilitation and Resettlement) by November 30.
The BRO’s decision to upgrade the road comes as part of the larger effort to enhance connectivity between the remote Pangi valley and Lahaul valley, as well as link Himachal with Jammu and Kashmir. The road’s present single-lane condition and some unmetalled stretches have been a source of inconvenience for travellers. Additionally, the road is prone to frequent disruptions due to avalanches in winter and landslides during the rainy season, with a deep river valley on one side and steep hills on the other, making travel hazardous.
Once completed, the road will not only provide safer and more efficient travel for locals and tourists but will also play a strategic role in boosting defence and civilian mobility between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The widening of the road is expected to alleviate the ongoing challenges faced by the region’s residents and provide much-needed economic and social benefits.
According to official sources with the BRO, the detailed project report (DPR) has been submitted, under the BRO’s “Deepak Project” initiative, for approval to the Central Government, with work expected to commence once the necessary approvals and land acquisitions are completed.
