Public Works Minister Thakur Gulab Singh in a meeting with the senior officers of the Public Works Department said that detailed report regarding construction of Bangana-Dhaneta and Bhubujot Tunnels would be placed before the State Cabinet soon so that work on these ambitious tunnel projects could be taken in hand at the earliest.
Thakur Gulab Singh said that since construction of tunnels was on the priority agenda of the State Government, efforts would be made to initiate various actions for starting construction of these tunnels at the earliest. He said that on completion, these tunnels would make travelling in these areas of the State a commuters’ delight besides helping in environment conservation and saving of time.
Thakur Gulab Singh said that investigation work on the Bhubu-Jot Tunnel was in advance stage and the proposed 3.2 km traffic tunnel underneath Bhubbu Jot on Jogindernagar-Ghatasni-Shilh Bhadwani-Kullu-Telang road would be taken in hand soon. He said that this would reduce distance between Jogindernagar to Kullu by over 60 kms. He said that since Bhubbu Jot remains covered with heavy snow from December to March every year, the proposed tunnel would provide all weather road connectivity to the commuters. He said that besides it would open new tourist destinations as it would and give boost to tourism activities in the region.
Public Works Minister said the Consultant has been asked to submit the Detailed Project Report on Banagana-Dhaneta tunnel very soon and efforts were on to start the work on these at the earliest. He said that the State Government had awarded consultancy services for an amount of Rs 6.97 crore for preparing feasibility study and Detailed Project Report regarding construction of these tunnels to M/S. Bernard Ingenieure of Austria. He said that roads were on the priority agenda of the State Government and Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister has time and again shown his commitment towards better road connectivity in the State.
Public Works Minister said that investigations on proposed 6.9 kms Holi-Utrala tunnel connecting Baijnath with Bharmour in Chamba to be constructed underneath Jalsu Jot, have been started and Detailed Project Repaort was expected to be received by the Department soon. He said that this tunnel would ensure all weather shorter route to Bharmour area of Chamba District. He said that the purposed tunnel would reduce distance between Holi in Chamba and Uttrala in Kangra district by over 140 kilometers.
J.C.Sharma, Secretary Public Works assured the Minister that the work of two tunnels would be taken in hand soon after completion of various modalities. N.L Sharma, Engineer in Chief, Narseh Sharma Chief Engineer, K,K Malhotra SE (State Road Project) and other senior officers of the department attended the meeting.
