Digging Deeper: Milestone Reached in Ambitious Twin-Tube Tunnel Construction

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has achieved a milestone by finishing the finishing work on one tube of the 1,200-meter twin-tube tunnel at Daulatpur. The tunnel, built at a cost of ₹200 crore, is on the Kangra-Ranital section of the Shimla-Kangra four-lane project. Though the second tube is structurally complete, finishing work on it will take another two months. The tunnel remains to be opened to traffic as a result of continuing construction of a culvert on the highway towards Kangra.

 

The Kangra-Bhangwar section of the highway scheme, developed by Gawar Construction Company at a total outlay of ₹1,323 crore, will augment regional connectivity. Excavation for the twin-tube tunnel commenced in October 2023 and finished within record time. The two tubes have been joined at their center through a cross-passage to promote commuter safety in case of emergencies.

 

Once in commission, the tunnel will short-cut the distance between Kangra and Ranital by 6 kilometers and travel time by 45 minutes to 15 minutes. It will also improve easier accessibility for heavy vehicle transport and carriages, precluding difficulties from the low height of the existing colonial-time tunnel.

 

The initiative focuses on green conservation, where more than 1,000 trees in the hilly region are being kept intact. Gains are made in road safety, less fuel usage, and lower air pollution rates in the area. Cutting-edge infrastructure mechanisms will be in place for ensuring safety and effectiveness, such as high-volume fans for ventilation, LED lights for visibility, and full-proof fire safety provisions like smoke detectors and sprinklers.

 

Once finished, this new tunnel will be a lifeline for tourists and freight transport in Himachal Pradesh.

 

Source: The Tribune