Eighteen New Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) Set to Be Constructed Along Kiratpur-Manali Highway.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to build 18 foot overbridges (FOBs) along the Kiratpur-Manali highway at an estimated cost of ₹14.60 crore. The construction will take place across three districts in Himachal Pradesh: Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu.

In Bilaspur district, three FOBs will be constructed near the villages of Mora, Gara, and Ree. The Mandi district will see the development of ten FOBs, serving the villages of Naulakha, Kannaid, Bhour, Dadour, Jaral, Thalout, Aut, Takoli, and Nagwain, with two bridges designated for Dadour. The Kullu district will receive five FOBs in the areas of Bhuin, near Bhoothnath bridge, Ramshila, Katrain, and Bran villages.

NHAI Project Director Varun Chari confirmed that construction has already commenced at several sites. “A total of 18 bridges will be built along the entire section of the Kiratpur-Manali highway. The construction work has already started at at least six sites. These FOBs will facilitate easier crossings for residents and pedestrians, particularly during peak hours, while also ensuring smoother traffic flow,” Chari stated.

NHAI officials have indicated plans to construct an additional nine FOBs in other densely populated areas along the highway, with a proposal submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways pending approval.

Residents living along the highway, which opened to traffic on August 6 last year, have been vocal about the necessity for these bridges, citing difficulties faced by children and the elderly in crossing the busy roadway during rush hours. There have also been concerns regarding access to agricultural fields for residents with livestock.

According to NHAI officials, the need for FOBs has become increasingly pressing due to a rise in traffic accidents on the highway. “The volume of traffic, especially from vehicles heading to Manali, has surged since the highway's opening last year, leading to a significant increase in accidents. The FOBs are expected to help reduce the number of such incidents,” an NHAI official remarked.

The Kiratpur-Nerchowk section of the highway was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 11 this year.

ET