The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started the third phase of the tarring work from Ghiyagi to the Jalori Pass on the scenic Aut-Banjar-Sainj-Luhri Highway (NH-305) in Kullu district. Around Rs 2.20 crore is being spent on upgrading the 10-km road stretch, bringing major relief to tourists and local commuters who had long struggled with poor road conditions.
The road leading to the famous Jalori Pass, Sojha, Serolsar Lake and Raghupur Garh attracts thousands of tourists every year. The improved highway will also benefit people travelling towards Anni and Shimla. Once completed, the commuters will no longer have to endure bumpy rides on this important mountain route.
The tarring work has brought renewed optimism among tourism stakeholders as well as farmers and orchardists in the region. Apple growers of the Raghupur valley and the Jalori area heavily depend on this highway to transport their produce to markets in Kullu, especially during the apple season.
According to officials, the NHAI had completed the patchwork on around 23 km of the highway between Aut and Banjar in the first phase. In the second phase, tarring was done on a 10-km Banjar-Ghiyagi road stretch. The third phase now covers the road from Ghiyagi to the 10,280-foot-high Jalori Pass.
The NHAI has reportedly accelerated the work from both sides to ensure speedy completion. Executive Engineer KL Suman has been personally inspecting the ongoing tarring work to maintain quality standards.
He said that the tarring work was being done on a war footing and would be completed soon.
