Major Renovation of Kullu-Manali National Highway to Enhance Travel Safety

Revamping the Kullu-Manali National Highway

To improve road conditions and ensure safe and smooth travel, a significant renovation project is underway on the Kullu-Manali National Highway (NH-03), which spans 37 kilometers. This initiative, costing ₹20.97 crores, aims to enhance connectivity between Kullu and Manali, particularly in areas affected by floods and damage.

Key activities include laying tar on 8.5 kilometers of deteriorated sections and sealing cracks over 13 kilometers. The project commenced at Gammon Bridge, Ramshila, where work on bituminous concrete is currently in progress. To promote the long-term stability of the highway, essential infrastructure such as drainage systems, breast walls, and retaining walls are being constructed alongside resurfacing efforts. Rapid construction of PCC drains is also taking place at various locations.

To enhance traffic safety, the project incorporates the installation of signboards, speed breakers, and protective walls. These improvements are expected to boost tourism, enhance travel safety, and ensure a smoother journey for both residents and visitors.

As the monsoon season approaches, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed additional machinery, including JCBs, tippers, cranes, and excavation equipment, to avoid delays and ensure worker safety. Furthermore, a proposal for ₹7.33 crores has been made for laying tar on an additional 4.5 kilometers, pending approval.

Ashok Chauhan, the resident engineer of NHAI, confirmed that the central government has allocated ₹20.97 crores for the upgrade and stated that the team is working around the clock to complete as much work as possible before the onset of heavy monsoon rains.