Shimla's ₹267 Crore Tunnel: A Masterpiece of Mountain Engineering

In a significant milestone for the four-laning of National Highway-05 between Kaithlighat and Shakral, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the construction of a 1,295-metre tunnel, reducing travel distance by 10–12 km. Built at a cost of ₹267 crore, the tunnel is located between Ranghav and Bhad villages in Shimla district.

According to Col Ajay Singh Bargoti, Regional Officer, NHAI Shimla, the tunnel is a key component of the Shimla Bypass project and was one of the most technically demanding segments due to complex geological and hydrological conditions in the Himalayan terrain.“The presence of the Jutogh and Jaunsar Thust formations resulted in highly fractured and unstable rock, with severe water ingress posing additional challenges,” he noted.

Despite these conditions, the construction team employed advanced tunnelling techniques, real-time geotechnical monitoring, and adaptive engineering methods to complete the structure safely and efficiently.“This breakthrough is more than just an engineering feat—it reflects the resilience, expertise, and innovation driving modern infrastructure in mountain regions,” Col Bargoti added.

The tunnel is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion, improve regional connectivity, and boost logistics efficiency, offering safer and faster travel through the Shimla corridor.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.