Ministry takes long-term solutions for damaged roads
Immediate restoration and improvement works will be undertaken on the Kiratpur-Pandoh-Kullu-Manali section of NH-21 in Himachal Pradesh which was damaged by the recent severe floods in Mandi, cloudburst and flash floods.
NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav said the restoration work will include 10 locations on Kullu-Manali section that have been completely washed away and five locations that have been partially damaged by torrent rains and floods resulting in cutting off connectivity to the tourist town of Manali from the rest of the state through NH-21.
The alternate road by Himachal Pradesh PWD has also witnessed damages, therefore, only light vehicles have been diverted through HP PWD Road.
NHAI has also decided to extend financial support to HP PWD for immediate restoration and maintenance of PWD road which is being used by National Highway traffic.
Keeping in view the inaccessibility, temporary restoration measures will be undertaken by NHAI to provide immediate restoration of connectivity.
For this purpose, adequate funds have been sanctioned to NHAI Regional Office, Shimla for undertaking immediate emergent works. Also, the maintenance contractor available at site has been mobilized by NHAI, and temporary restoration of the highway section is being carried out on war footing.
In addition, permanent restoration of other locations that have been damaged by rains/floods on the Kiratpur- Pandoh-Manali section will be undertaken.
A detailed project report for the permanent restoration is in progress.
Various options for permanent restoration are being explored which inter alia include construction of tunnels, elevated structures and slope stabilization.
For short term rectification a sum of around Rs.100 crores has been sanctioned by NHAI.
Measures are also being taken for long-term solutions of these stretches, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said on 29 Aug.
Severe torrent rains, floods and cloud bursts have caused damage to National Highways in hilly regions, disrupting transportation and affecting local communities, it said.
NHAI is actively working on restoration and safety measures to ensure quick recovery and minimize further impact on travel and commerce in these vulnerable areas, assured the Ministry. Fiinews.com
