18 new FOBs planned for Kiratpur-Manali highway

28 Oct 2024 CW Team

In Bilaspur district, three FOBs will be built at Mora, Gara, and Ree villages. The Mandi district will see the addition of ten FOBs in areas including Naulakha, Kannaid, Bhour, Dadour, Jaral, Thalout, Aut, Takoli, and Nagwain, with two FOBs planned for Dadour. Five more will come up in Kullu district at Bhuin, near the Bhoothnath bridge, Ramshila, Katrain, and Bran villages.

NHAI project director Varun Chari confirmed that construction has already started at six sites. “These 18 FOBs will not only facilitate safer crossing for residents and pedestrians, particularly during peak hours, but also help reduce traffic congestion,” said Chari.

In response to increased traffic and accident risks along the highway, NHAI officials have proposed building nine additional FOBs in densely populated areas along the route. The proposal is under review by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with construction set to begin upon approval.

Residents along the highway have long requested the construction of these overbridges, citing difficulties faced by children, the elderly, and those needing to access fields with livestock. Local authorities have received numerous complaints regarding the hazards of crossing the busy road, especially during rush hours.

NHAI officials emphasised the importance of the FOBs in reducing accidents, noting that traffic—particularly vehicles headed to Manali—has surged since the highway’s Kiratpur-Nerchowk section opened on August 6, 2023. While the section was made operational last August, it was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 11, 2024. (ET)

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the construction of 18 foot overbridges (FOBs) along the Kiratpur-Manali highway to enhance pedestrian safety and ensure smoother traffic flow. The project, spanning the districts of Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, is estimated to cost Rs 1.46 billion. In Bilaspur district, three FOBs will be built at Mora, Gara, and Ree villages. The Mandi district will see the addition of ten FOBs in areas including Naulakha, Kannaid, Bhour, Dadour, Jaral, Thalout, Aut, Takoli, and Nagwain, with two FOBs planned for Dadour. Five more will come up in Kullu district at Bhuin, near the Bhoothnath bridge, Ramshila, Katrain, and Bran villages. NHAI project director Varun Chari confirmed that construction has already started at six sites. “These 18 FOBs will not only facilitate safer crossing for residents and pedestrians, particularly during peak hours, but also help reduce traffic congestion,” said Chari. In response to increased traffic and accident risks along the highway, NHAI officials have proposed building nine additional FOBs in densely populated areas along the route. The proposal is under review by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with construction set to begin upon approval. Residents along the highway have long requested the construction of these overbridges, citing difficulties faced by children, the elderly, and those needing to access fields with livestock. Local authorities have received numerous complaints regarding the hazards of crossing the busy road, especially during rush hours. NHAI officials emphasised the importance of the FOBs in reducing accidents, noting that traffic—particularly vehicles headed to Manali—has surged since the highway’s Kiratpur-Nerchowk section opened on August 6, 2023. While the section was made operational last August, it was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 11, 2024. (ET)

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Building Material

13 Oct 2025

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..