NHAI starts work on Rs 1,850-cr Shimla Bypass

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced the construction of a 17.46 km long bypass road in Shimla, which stretches from Kaithlighat to Shakral and is estimated to cost Rs 1,850 crore. This road will reduce the distance between Kaithlighat and Dhalli by 11.7 km, and is divided into two stretches, Package 1 and Package 2. Package 1 comprises a 17.46 km long stretch from Kaithlighat to Shakral, where four tunnels measuring 3.7 km, 18 big bridges, and 53 box culverts will be constructed. The NHAI has awarded the construction work for this section to SP Singla Company, with a target to complete the project in two and a half years instead of the agreed three years, to reduce congestion and accidents in the area.

The construction of the Shimla Bypass will also alleviate the traffic burden on Shimla city, as tourists traveling to popular destinations like Kufri, Narkanda, Naldehra Tattapani, and Kinnaur will no longer need to pass through the city. Moreover, it will help reduce vehicular and parking congestion in the city and create opportunities for expansion. The second stretch of the bypass, from Shakral to Dhalli, will feature the world's longest extra-dosed single span bridge, stretching 280 meters between two pillars, standing at 620 feet tall, costing Rs 600 crore. Gawar Infrastructure Company in Gurgaon will handle this project.