Himachal: Three new tunnels planned on Manali-Leh route

In a major boost to road infrastructure, tourism and strategic connectivity in the Himalayan region, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced plans to construct tunnels at Baralacha La, Lachulung La and Tanglang La along the Manali-Leh highway.

The proposed projects are aimed at providing all-weather connectivity between Himachal and Ladakh while significantly reducing travel time and distance on one of the country’s most important mountain routes.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari made the announcement during the breakthrough ceremony of the main tunnel at the eastern portal of the Zojila Tunnel Project at Minamarg in Kargil district a few days ago.

Referring to the success of the Atal Tunnel, Gadkari said the Centre was now focusing on strengthening direct connectivity between Manali and Leh-Ladakh.

He said a 13-km-long tunnel at Baralacha La in Himachal is being planned at an estimated cost of Rs 8,800 crore. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project is expected to be completed by October.

Another tunnel, approximately 11 km long, is proposed at Lachulung La in Ladakh at an estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore. Its DPR is likely to be completed before March next year.

A third tunnel at Tanglang La, estimated to cost around Rs 250 crore and spanning about 5 km, is also under planning, with the DPR expected to be finalised before December.

According to Gadkari, the proposed tunnel network will shorten the Manali-Leh route by nearly 50 km and reduce travel time from about 10 hours to nearly six hours, making the journey safer, faster and more reliable throughout the year.

Tourism stakeholders in Manali have welcomed the announcement, describing the projects as transformative for the region.

Manali Hoteliers Association president Roshan Thakur and ex-chief Anup Thakur said improved connectivity would significantly benefit tourism in Kullu-Manali and attract more visitors from Chandigarh, Delhi and Ladakh.

They added that better road infrastructure would generate fresh economic opportunities for hoteliers, transport operators and other tourism-related businesses.

The Manali-Leh highway is also of immense strategic significance as it serves as a vital route for the movement of supplies, equipment and personnel to border areas in Ladakh.

Officials believe the proposed tunnels will strengthen military logistics, reduce weather-related disruptions and ensure more reliable civilian and tourist access to the high-altitude region throughout the year.

The projects are being viewed as the next major phase of Himalayan connectivity development following the successful commissioning of the Atal Tunnel, which drastically reduced travel time between Manali and Rohtang Pass and improved year-round access to Lahaul valley.