Vehicular movement on the Gutkar-Mandi road near Mangwai in Mandi district will continue to be restricted during fixed hours until November 21, 2026, to facilitate controlled blasting and hard-rock cutting operations for the construction of the National Highway-003 bypass.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Additional District Magistrate, Mandi, Dr Madan Kumar, has issued an order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to regulate traffic on the affected stretch. This measure is aimed at ensuring public safety during the ongoing construction work on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway.
The road will be closed to vehicular traffic on weekdays, Monday to Saturday, between 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM, and again from 7:00 PM to 6:30 AM the following day. On Sundays, the restrictions will be in place from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM the subsequent day. These timings are effective until November 21, 2026.
The imposed restrictions are specifically to facilitate rock-cutting operations in the hard-rock formations located near Mangwai. This segment of work is a critical component of the broader bypass construction project on the Kiratpur-Manali corridor, which is designed to enhance road infrastructure and improve connectivity throughout the region.
The district administration has stated that the controlled blasting and the subsequent removal of hard rock could pose significant risks to commuters and their vehicles if traffic were to continue through the work zone during these operations. The temporary closures are a precautionary measure intended to safeguard both road users and the construction personnel involved in the project.
Commuters travelling between Gutkar and Mandi are advised to consult the prescribed timings and meticulously plan their journeys to prevent potential delays and avoid inconvenience. Vehicle operators have been strongly urged to adhere to the instructions provided by the district administration, the local police, and other relevant government departments to ensure compliance and safety.
The administration has made an earnest appeal to the public for their cooperation during the construction period. This collaboration is deemed essential for the safe and smooth progression of the work, which is crucial for the timely completion of the bypass project. The objective is to minimise risks for all involved stakeholders.
The bypass project is an integral part of the ongoing initiatives by the authorities to bolster and strengthen the highway infrastructure along the vital Kiratpur-Manali corridor. The administration has emphasised that the full cooperation of the public will be instrumental in achieving the successful completion of the rock-cutting work, while simultaneously mitigating any potential hazards to commuters and workers. The long-term benefits of improved connectivity and reduced travel times are anticipated to significantly impact the region.
The ongoing infrastructure development aims to create a more efficient and safer travel route, connecting key areas and facilitating economic activity. The administration’s proactive approach in managing traffic flow during critical construction phases highlights its commitment to balancing development with public safety. The extended duration of the road closures indicates the complex nature of the geological challenges being addressed during the bypass construction.
The Kiratpur-Manali highway is a significant route for both tourism and commercial traffic, and the development of a bypass is expected to alleviate congestion and improve travel times, particularly during peak seasons. The controlled blasting methods are standard in such large-scale infrastructure projects to carefully manage the removal of solid rock formations. The stringent adherence to traffic management protocols underscores the serious attention being paid to the safety aspects of this ambitious project.
The Chenab Times News Desk