Kangra-Ranital stretch likely to open in 2 mths

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to open Phase-5B of the Shimla-Kangra four-lane highway between Kangra and Ranital within the next two months. Over 90% of the work on this phase, which includes the construction of one dozen bridges, has already been completed. Among the significant projects is the nearly finished flyover-cum-bridge over the Baner river near Tanda Medical College, with the Ranital Flyover and Bathu Bridge already open to traffic.

The construction of twin-tube tunnels between Daultapur and Kangra is also nearing completion. These tunnels will reduce the travel distance between the two towns by 7 km. The entire Phase-5B project, which began in December 2022 and was awarded to Gabar Construction Company, comes with an estimated cost of Rs 1,100 crore. Earlier delays due to forest clearances and removal of transmission lines have now been resolved.

The highway project spans 225 km and bypasses bottlenecks and congested towns such as Jwalamukhi, Nadaun, Hamirpur, Ghumarwin, Ghagas, Darlaghat, and Bilaspur. This will shorten the overall distance between Kangra and Shimla by 45 km, enhancing connectivity across six districts in the state. A key part of the project is the construction of a double-lane bridge over the Beas at Nadaun, intended to smooth traffic flow.

Notably, the project incorporates grid-based road technology, making it the first of its kind in the state. This method, designed to tackle the region’s frequent landslides and fragile hills, uses two separate lanes on different slopes, forming a grid of parallel roads. The innovative approach is expected to reduce both maintenance costs and environmental impact, providing a safer route through the hills.