The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sought approval from its headquarters for a significant safety enhancement plan for the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway, amounting to ₹4,256 crore. This plan includes approximately 1,350 meters of cable anchoring on the hillside, aimed at stabilizing weak rock formations and slopes, thereby reducing the risk of falling rocks on the road.
On average, around 9,000 vehicles travel on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway daily, with this number increasing during the tourism season. The threat of rockfalls or landslides could jeopardize the safety of both traffic and passengers. NHAI has identified 150 sensitive locations along the route, with safety work contracts already awarded for 46 of these sites. Estimates for the remaining locations have been sent to headquarters.
Areas such as Dwaada and Jhalogi are particularly critical due to previous rockfalls. For instance, a flyover in Dwaada was damaged by falling rocks. The highway faces dual threats: falling rocks from the mountains and erosion from the Beas River below. During the rainy season, the river’s water level and flow increase, exacerbating bank erosion, which poses risks to the surrounding land and safety infrastructure.
In response, NHAI plans to undertake river erosion control works at 65 locations along the Beas, covering a total length of approximately 19 kilometers, with an estimated expenditure of ₹1,354.27 crore. Of these, contracts for 44 locations worth ₹722.65 crore have already been awarded. Key areas for river protection work include Raisan, Dohloonala, Bindudhanak, Kalath Vegetable Market, and the Manali bypass. This comprehensive approach aims to protect the four-lane highway from rockfalls on one side and river erosion on the other.
The total proposed budget for safety measures on the four-lane highway is ₹4,256.97 crore, which includes approximately ₹876 crore already approved for safety and stabilization projects. Additionally, a proposal for around ₹3,380.91 crore for slope stabilization and river protection works has been submitted to NHAI headquarters. The objective is to establish permanent safety measures in sensitive areas to minimize disruptions during rain and snowfall.
Jhalogi Tunnel Relocation and Strengthening Efforts
The Jhalogi Tunnel’s entrance, affected by landslides that began in 2023 and worsened in 2025, is set to be relocated 300 meters forward. An Austrian expert visited the site for a technical assessment and recommended closing the current entrance while opening a new one at a safer distance. This adjustment will extend the tunnel from 1,400 meters to approximately 1,700 meters, enhancing its safety against potential landslides.
At Hanogi, repair work on a newly constructed tunnel damaged by rockfalls has commenced, with NHAI investing around ₹50 crore. The tunnel has suffered damage over a 24-meter section, which will be reinforced using cable anchoring and steel arches to safeguard it from future geological activity.
Future Tunnel Proposals
Considering the increasing traffic and challenges posed by the mountainous terrain, NHAI also proposes the construction of new twin-tube tunnels at various locations, including T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, Pandoh bypass, and chainages 201 and 203. Additionally, there is a proposal for a viaduct at chainage 208 (9 Mile). The estimated cost for these projects is approximately ₹3,786 crore, with proposals for the tunnels at chainages 201, 203, and the Pandoh bypass submitted for necessary approvals.
To ensure the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway remains safe and operational throughout the year, NHAI is implementing phased works at sensitive locations. Plans include tunnels, viaducts, drainage systems, and hillside stabilization to provide long-term security for the route. Some projects are currently underway, while others await approval from headquarters.
– Varun Chari, Project Director, PIU Mandi, NHAI
- NHAI’s safety enhancement plan for Kiratpur-Manali highway: ₹4,256 crore
- 1,350 meters of cable anchoring to stabilize weak rock formations
- Daily traffic: ~9,000 vehicles, increasing during tourism season
- 150 sensitive locations identified; contracts awarded for 46 sites
- Critical areas: Dwaada and Jhalogi, with previous rockfall incidents
- River erosion control at 65 locations along Beas River: ₹1,354.27 crore
- Contracts awarded for 44 river protection locations: ₹722.65 crore
- Total proposed budget for safety measures: ₹4,256.97 crore
- Jhalogi Tunnel relocation: 300 meters forward, extending length to ~1,700 meters
- Repair work on Hanogi tunnel: ₹50 crore investment for cable anchoring
- Future proposals: twin-tube tunnels and viaducts at various locations
- Estimated cost for new projects: ₹3,786 crore
| Location | Action | Cost (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Measures (Overall) | Enhancement Plan | 4,256 |
| River Erosion Control | Control Works | 1,354.27 |
| River Protection Contracts | Awarded Contracts | 722.65 |
| Jhalogi Tunnel | Relocation | N/A |
| Hanogi Tunnel | Repair Work | 50 |
| Future Tunnels and Viaducts | Construction Proposals | 3,786 |