Work on tunnel projects to start

Himachal Pradfesh, July 13: The construction work on three key tunnel projects in Himachal Pradesh would start early next year, Public Works Minister Thakur Gulab Singh said in a meeting on Tuesday.

He added that pre-feasibility report for the projects was prepared by the state electricity board and 18 consultants have evinced interest.

The department has constituted a technical committee headed by the Engineering-in-chief to shortlist consultants by July 24, the minister said.

The tentative cost of Bhubu Jot tunnel to be constructed between Shilh Badahani-Telang on Joginderngar Ghatssani-Telang Kullu road was estimated at Rs 85.75 crore while the cost of Holi-Utrala tunnel and Bangana-Dhaneta tunnel was Rs 145.74 crore and Rs 35.40 crore respectively, he added.

The tunnels would shorten the distance between Jogindernagar-Kullu by 71 km and driving time by three hours.

–Agencies