SHIMLA: Prime Minister office today directed NHAI, BRO and HPPWD to conduct a survey of the Kenchi Morh stretch near Pandoh on Mandi-Kullu section of the highway,  which was breached by the surging Beas river last week.

This direction followed today after the HP Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena took the matter of the status of the national highways  in the state with Tarun Kapoor, the advisor to  PM at PMO New Delhi. 

Saxena provided an update to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) regarding the state of National Highways and bridges in Himachal. The briefing took place during a virtual review meeting chaired by Tarun Kapoor, an Advisor to the Prime Minister.

One major concern addressed was the breach of the Kenchi Morh near Pandoh on the Mandi-Kullu highway due to the overflowing Beas river.

For the Kullu-Manali highway stretch, a traffic plan has been implemented, allowing repair and restoration work between 8 PM and 5 AM. The district administration was directed to explore options to extend this window to expedite the restoration process, especially with the upcoming apple season in mind.

Regarding the Chakki Bridge on the Pathankot-Mandi Highway, which has been shut down due to erosion concerns, the State Government engaged with Punjab's Government to prevent further damage to the inter-state bridge by addressing river bed erosion.

While traffic on the Shimla-Kalka route continues without hindrance, recurring landslides at Chakki Mod near Parwanoo have prompted the need for a lasting solution to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The major landslides at Kotrupi on the Pathankot-Mandi highway and Namhol on the Shimla-Mataur highway have been cleared, restoring traffic flow.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary PWD Bharat Khera, officials from various districts, and representatives from NHAI.