Shimla’s much-needed second tunnel to be ready by Nov-end

The second tunnel adjoining the 175-year-old one at Dhalli in Shimla will become operational from November-end. “The new 147-metre tunnel, envisaged under the Smart City Mission, will be functional by November. Earlier this week, both ends of the double-lane tunnel were connected and finishing touches are being given,” state Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said last week. The new tunnel will ease traffic congestion in the Dhalli and Sanjauli areas. The British-era tunnel is the lifeline for Upper Shimla areas like Kinnaur and Mandi and the outer Seraj regions of Kullu, as the national highway passes through it and was later connected with two bypasses from Sanjauli and Tutti Kandi. The tunnel has been repaired several times but is now at the end of its life. The Rs 500 million project is being handled by the Himachal Pradesh Road and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HPRIDC). “The foundation stone for the tunnel was laid in March and work will be completed within six months. The tunnel will be ready a month before the deadline,” Bhardwaj said. “The existing tunnel is too old and single-lane. Shimla has seen a lot of change in terms of amenities and infrastructure under the Smart City Mission. We now have a parallel tunnel to connect the town with Upper Shimla region and Kinnaur district.” See also: Gadkari launches highway projects worth Rs 11.28 bn in MPNitin Gadkari calls for US investments in roads and highways