Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today visited Shimla Bypass Tunnel-1 Portal-2 Shungal, Shimla, located near Kaithlighat in Solan district. He inspected the progress of the work and took detailed information related to the project. In the 28.5 km long four laning of Shimla bypass (Package-1 and 2), a total of 10 tunnels, spanning of about 10.6 km length would be constructed.
The project would also feature 27 big bridges and viaducts with an estimate cost of Rs. 4800 crore. The Governor said that after the completion of this project, the distance from Kaithlighat to Dhalli would be reduced by approximately 15 km saving nearly an hour or travelling time.
He commended the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for its environmental considerations and highlighted that the construction of this tunnel has prevented the felling of around 5000 trees and mitigated soil erosion. He emphasized that the tunnel would ensure a smooth and safe travel experiences in the hilly terrain leading to fuel saving and significantly reduce air pollution and the carbon footprints.
Moreover, the construction of 10 tunnels in total is expected to save about 22500 trees. Regional Officer, National Highways Authority of India Abdul Basit while appraising the Governor about Shugal Tunnel, said that the total length of the tunnel in both the phases was 1410 meters and this tunnel was likely to be completed by January 2025, on which about Rs. 90 crore would be spent.
He informed that the total cost of the four laning project from Kathlighat to Dhalli of Shimla bypass was Rs. 4800 crore and would likely to be completed by March 2027, he said. Secretary to Governor Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Solan Manmohan Sharma, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh and other officers of National Highways Authority of India were also present on the occasion.