NHAI approves four laning of Palampur-Mandi NH in Himachal

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of a four-lane highway between Palampur and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. NHAI had previously restricted the highway to two lanes due to challenging terrain and low traffic volume. However, after the state CM requested the Union Transport Minister to upgrade the highway, the NHAI was directed to submit revised details for the Pathankot-Mandi project to convert it into a four-lane highway. The NHAI has appointed a consultant to prepare a new DPR for the strategic road project, which will be executed in five phases with a new alignment. The old narrow highway passing through towns such as Palampur, Baijnath, Paprola, Chauntra and Jogindernagar will not be used. The NHAI will lay special emphasis on minimum hill cutting and the displacement of business establishments to reduce the project's cost. Once commissioned, the distance between Pathankot and Mandi will be reduced from 219 km to 171 km. The highway has strategic importance as it connects Pathankot with Leh via Manali, and the Indian Army uses this road to transport essential supplies, men and machines to Leh and other border areas of the country.