SHIMLA: Apart from proposing a tunnel at Kainchi Morh at the damaged Pandoh-Kainchi Morh stretch, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu issued a stern call to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to swiftly reconstruct two bridges in the Baddi region and restore damaged Shimla-Kalka and Mandi-Pandoh-Manali fourlane National Highways.
The objective: to ensure seamless connectivity and achieve the ambitious target of attracting a staggering 5 crore tourists annually to Himachal Pradesh.
Chairing a high-level meeting of NHAI officials, attended by its chairperson Santosh Yadav, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and CPS Surender Awasthi and other officials, Chief Minister underscored the urgent need to prioritize the repair of the highways. 
The CM's stance is geared towards resuming normalcy and ensuring the flow of vital commodities like apples and vegetables, potatoes and other goods, as well as safeguarding the tourism industry that drives the state's economy.
Of paramount concern is the Mandi-Manali four-lane, which sustained significant damage near Pandoh in Mandi district and between Kalath and Allu Ground in Manali.
Chief Minister's directives are: deploy additional workforce and officials at vulnerable points on this route to expedite reconstruction.
The interim fixes must be in place by October 15, well ahead of the celebrated Kullu Dussehra festival. Moreover, Sukhu proposed a strategic tunnel beneath Kainchi Maur in Mandi district for long-term mitigation of these issues.
Given the urgency imposed by the ongoing apple season and the impending potato harvest in Lahaul, Chief Minister Sukhu called for immediate, effective restoration of National Highways. The movement of produce must not be impeded by subpar road conditions.
Three crucial tunnel projects also came under the Chief Minister's scrutiny, which are hanging fire over the decades due to the cost and ecology issues.
The Ghatasani-Shilh-Budhani-Bhubhu Jot tunnel, connecting Kangra and Kullu, holds significance beyond tourism – it promises to reduce the Kangra-Manali distance by 55 kilometers, enhancing strategic connectivity. Similarly, the Chowari-Chamba tunnel in Chamba district and the Bhawa valley to Pin valley tunnel are vital for year-round accessibility and tourism.
Sukhu said the Shimla-Mataur four-lane project would benefit eight districts. Keeping the aesthetic and tourism promotion in mind, he called for adherence to road median norms and a maximum width of five meters.
Chief Minister addressed the Parwanoo-Solan four-lane damage, advocating against vertical slope cutting and urging the construction of efficient drainage systems. The critical restoration of two bridges in the Baddi area, crucial for industrial hubs, was also pressed upon.
Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of NHAI, assured the Chief Minister that NHAI was on the job for swift and permanent restoration of the National Highways.
