The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sanctioned Rs 825 crore for restoration and stabilisation works along flood- and landslide-prone segments of the Kiratpur-Manali highway in Himachal Pradesh. The funding aims to address recurring infrastructure damage caused by heavy rains, river erosion, and landslides.
Detailed Geological Studies Underway
The authority has engaged a consultant to conduct comprehensive geological investigations and recommend sustainable, long-term solutions to mitigate landslides and riverbank damage along the route. Based on these studies, 44 critical locations between Pandoh and Manali have been identified for immediate intervention. These include one site in Thalout, nine in the Jhalogi area, and 34 stretches between Kullu and Manali.
Scope of Mitigation Works
The project encompasses several measures to enhance highway resilience. Key components include regulating river flow, stabilising slopes, constructing retaining and protective structures, strengthening and realigning weak roadway sections, and installing check dams to control debris and silt from upstream areas. The consultant has flagged multiple landslide-prone zones, such as Jhalogi, Thalout, Nagarni, and Jalanal, along with river-cut stretches where toe cutting—erosion at slope bases during floods—poses significant risk.
“A key component of the project is the construction of check dams on tributaries of the Beas river to control debris flow, reduce silt movement, and minimise the impact of flash floods,” said a senior NHAI official.
Critical Locations Identified
The designated critical sites requiring urgent action include the Kullu-Manali stretch, which suffered severe damage at multiple points during the Beas river floods of 2023 and 2025. Additionally, the Jhalogi highway tunnel and the Dwara flyover near Aut—damaged by massive landslides—are priority areas for intervention.
The official added: “Our target is to provide uninterrupted all-weather connectivity on the Manali highway, which also connects Leh, by reducing the risk of landslides, falling boulders, and road washouts witnessed during the monsoon season.”
Past Incidents and Impact
Last year, over two dozen landslides occurred on the Kiratpur-Manali highway in July and August, blocking the road to Manali for several hours and, in some cases, up to three consecutive days. These frequent closures disrupted daily life in parts of Mandi and Kullu districts, halting goods transportation and causing widespread inconvenience.
Work Allocation and Cost Breakdown
The authority has divided the work among five companies. The cost distribution is as follows:
- Pandoh-Kullu (Thalout): Landslide mitigation at one site – Rs 128 crore
- Pandoh-Kullu (Jhalogi area): Landslide and erosion control at nine sites – Rs 228.7 crore
- Kullu-Manali: Erosion control along 35 stretches – Rs 468.8 crore
The total sanctioned amount of Rs 825 crore underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable connectivity on this vital highway, which serves as a lifeline for the region and a key route to Leh.
