Heavy traffic jams regular feature on Aut-Luhri highway in Kullu

Tourism stakeholders in Banjar subdivision of Kullu district are raising concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Aut-Luhri National Highway (NH), demanding immediate widening and repair of the 97-km stretch of the highway to ease traffic congestion and safeguard the region’s tourism industry.

The highway usually experiences prolonged traffic jams, frustrating thousands of tourists and severely impacting the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism.

Captain Kishan Chauhan (retd), president of the Sangharsh Samiti, stated that the poor condition of the road was a recurring issue every tourist season. “During peak times, tourists are forced to remain stuck in traffic for hours. This experience is discouraging visitors to visit to area and hurting local livelihoods,” he said.

According to Chauhan, although promises were made by authorities that road widening tenders will be invited in April 2025, no tangible progress has been observed on the ground. A protest by local residents in April was aimed at drawing attention from both state and central governments as the situation remains unchanged.

Local tourism stakeholder Guman Singh highlighted the pathetic condition of the Aut-Jalori Pass road. “Recently, the road remained closed for hours due to continuous jams. Thousands of vehicles, mostly tourist cars, were stuck for more than three to four hours. For years, there has been no proper tarring or widening of the road,” he said.

Singh also pointed out that the road was declared a national highway back in 2012, but has seen little development since then. “Last year, a detailed project report (DPR) was sent for approval, but was rejected due to some disputes. Since then, no further action has been taken. If the condition of the road does not improve soon, the local population may be forced to resume protests,” he warned.

KL Suman, XEN, NHAI (NH-305), said that the DPR for the widening of this road was sent to the Central Government for the approval of funds. As soon as budget was approved, the work to widen this road would be started.

Himachal Tribune