Kullu left bank road repairs begin amid local frustration

The left bank road connecting Manali and Kullu is undergoing repairs, with tarring work currently in progress. The project spans an 8-km stretch from Manali’s four-lane bridge to Jagatsukh, with an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore. The road’s poor condition, marked by large potholes, poor drainage, and waterlogging, has long troubled commuters and tourists alike.

During the 2023 floods, this route proved vital in maintaining connectivity between Manali and Kullu after the national highway suffered major damage. Despite its importance, the road continued to deteriorate, with areas like Khakhnal, Archandi, and Aleo facing severe issues. Near the old Green Tax barrier in Aleo, water clogging formed a makeshift pond, while the approach road near Jagatsukh bridge also fell into disrepair.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had announced plans to widen the road during his 2021 visit to Kullu. However, after the 2023 floods, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) shifted its focus to restoring NH-03, delaying progress on left bank road improvements.

The Public Works Department (PWD) recently secured Rs 1 crore from the state government for road tarring, along with an additional Rs 60 lakh from the Manali Tourism Development Council for maintenance between the four-lane and Bailey bridges. Work is underway, focusing on leveling the road and improving drainage. PWD Assistant Engineer Akash Sood confirmed that tarring has begun.

Despite the current efforts, local residents and tourism stakeholders remain frustrated. Jagatsukh resident Inderjeet said, “The road has been in terrible condition for two years. Tourists often get stuck in traffic jams due to bottlenecks.”

In January 2023, NHAI took over the 38-km Kullu-Naggar-Manali left bank road, with ambitious plans to double-lane it and build flyovers, bridges, and a tunnel from Aleo to Manali, backed by a Rs 500 crore budget. However, little progress has been seen so far.

Residents urge authorities to prioritize widening the road to ease traffic, support tourism, and boost the local economy.

Himachal Tribune