Bypass blues: Manali’s traffic woes worsen as project hits roadblock

Three months after the foundation stone for the proposed Manali bypass was laid, no construction work has begun, leading to growing frustration among residents. Announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the Manali Winter Carnival, the bypass was envisioned as a solution to the town’s chronic traffic jams. It was designed to connect the four-lane bridge to Club House and Old Manali.

The bypass project, which had been in planning for several years, recently secured a budget of approximately Rs 3.5 crore. However, progress has stalled due to pending approvals. According to Public Works Department Assistant Engineer Akash Sood, permission for the felling of about 42 deodar trees is still in process. He stated that construction would commence once these permissions are granted.

The bypass is expected to offer an alternative route to key tourist destinations such as Solang Nala, Atal Tunnel and Rohtang. It will also link Club House, Nehru Kund, and Hadimba Temple via Log Huts, improving connectivity for residents of Solang, Palchan, Gaushal, Buruwa, and Shanag villages.

Sanjeev Thakur, president of the Manali Beopar Mandal, stressed the bypass’s importance, calling it a “milestone” for alleviating traffic congestion. “Tourists won’t have to endure hours-long traffic jams, and this work should have started before the tourist season,” he said. Hotelier Budhi Prakash Thakur echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the bypass’s role in ensuring timely access to schools, hospitals, and other critical services.

Manali Municipal Council member Suresh Kashyap expressed concern over the delay, pointing out that without the bypass, traffic snarls to Old Manali, Club House, and Hadimba Temple will worsen during the tourist season.

Locals argue that the town’s infrastructure has not kept pace with the surge in tourist numbers. Kavish, a resident, highlighted the need for speeding up construction and introducing better traffic management strategies. “Proactive steps, such as deploying adequate manpower, are essential to improve the tourist experience,” he said.

Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, Manali continues to battle severe traffic jams during peak seasons. Residents warn that without timely intervention, unchecked congestion could damage the region’s reputation and diminish its appeal to visitors.

Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur said: “There was a delay in obtaining the required clearances from the Forest Department, but we have now received approval under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). The PWD has completed all necessary paperwork and we are currently awaiting removal the trees. Once this is done, the road is expected to be completed within six months.

Himachal Tribune