NewKerala.com

Key Points

The National Highways Authority of India has deployed the Indian Army's Chinook helicopters to airlift heavy machinery to inaccessible sections of NH-21 in flood-ravaged Himachal Pradesh. Ten critical locations on the Kullu-Manali highway have been completely washed away by torrential rains and flash floods, severing road connectivity. NHAI has sanctioned ₹100 crore for immediate restoration work while planning permanent solutions including tunnels and elevated structures. The authority is also providing financial support to Himachal PWD for repairing alternate routes that are currently handling diverted traffic.

Key Points: Indian Army Chinook Airlifts NHAI Machinery for Himachal Highway 21 Restoration

  • Army Chinook helicopters airlifting NHAI machinery to inaccessible flood-damaged sites
  • Ten locations on Kullu-Manali highway completely washed away by torrential rains
  • NHAI sanctions ₹100 crore for short-term restoration work on war footing
  • Permanent restoration plans include tunnels and elevated structures for NH-21
2 min read

NHAI deploys Army's Chinook helicopter to airlift machinery for restoration work on NH-21 in Himachal Pradesh

NHAI deploys Army Chinook helicopters to airlift heavy machinery for urgent NH-21 restoration in flood-hit Kullu-Manali. Ten sections completely washed away.

"NHAI is working across multiple sections to ensure rapid restoration, necessitating machinery at all points - Torul S Raveesh, Kullu DC"

Kullu, September 2

The National Highways Authority of India have deployed the Indian Army's Chinook helicopter to airlift its machinery necessary for restoration work on the National Highway 21 in Kullu.

The NHAI launched urgent restoration work on the Kiratpur-Pandoh-Kullu-Manali section of National Highway 21 on August 29, following severe floods, cloudbursts, and flash floods that damaged key stretches, cutting off road connectivity to the tourist town of Manali.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Torul S Raveesh, the NHAI is currently working across multiple sections of the NH-21 to ensure rapid restoration work.

She informed that the NHAI is using air services to airlift the necessary machinery to points that currently lack connectivity.

"NHAI is working across multiple sections to ensure rapid restoration, necessitating machinery at all points. This has led to the acquisition of air to enable the deployment of machinery at points currently lacking connectivity," Raveesh told ANI.

Ten locations on the Kullu-Manali section had been "completely washed away" and five more had suffered partial damage due to "torrent rains and floods," disrupting the main highway link, NHAI said in a release.

The alternate route maintained by the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) has also sustained damage, allowing only light vehicles to pass. NHAI has decided to extend financial support to HP PWD for urgent repairs and maintenance of this road, which is temporarily carrying diverted highway traffic.

"In view of the inaccessibility, temporary restoration measures are being undertaken on a war footing to restore connectivity. Adequate funds have been sanctioned to the NHAI Regional Office in Shimla, and the maintenance contractor available on site has been mobilised for immediate works," the statement said.

The authority has also begun planning permanent restoration of multiple damaged stretches along the Kiratpur-Pandoh-Manali section. "Various options for permanent restoration are being explored, including tunnels, elevated structures, and slope stabilisation," the press note said, adding that a detailed project report (DPR) is under preparation. For short-term rectification, NHAI has sanctioned around ₹100 crore.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some proactive measures! Himachal has been suffering too long during monsoons. Hope they build permanent solutions this time, not just temporary fixes.
A
Aman W
Chinook helicopters are expensive to operate. While necessary for emergency, I hope NHAI has done proper cost-benefit analysis. Taxpayers' money should be used judiciously.
N
Nisha Z
My family is stuck in Manali since last week. Thank you authorities for taking this seriously! Hope road connectivity is restored soon 🙏
V
Vikram M
Good to see inter-agency coordination between NHAI, Army and state PWD. This is how disaster management should work - everyone coming together for public welfare.
S
Sarah B
Impressive response! The mention of exploring tunnels and elevated structures for permanent restoration shows they're thinking long-term. Climate resilience is key for Himalayan roads.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50