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For enhanced connectivity and safer infrastructure, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the newly constructed Sanjauli-Dhalli tunnel on Monday. With a cost of Rs 47.36 crore, the 154.22-meter tunnel is poised to address persistent traffic issues and revitalize the tourism industry in the state.
Taking a witty jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that the construction of the tunnel had been progressing at a sluggish pace under the previous government. However, under the proactive approach of the Congress government, the project was successfully completed within a year. Sukhu stated that the state government has mandated all departments to ensure time-bound completion of every project.
Addressing Traffic Congestion and Safety Concerns:
The pre-existing Dhalli tunnel, constructed in 1852, had become a bottleneck due to its single-lane passage and surpassed design life. The new tunnel aims to mitigate these issues, offering a streamlined and safer route for commuters. Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the strategic significance of the tunnel, particularly concerning popular tourist destinations like Kufri, Naldehra, Tattapani, Narkanda, and Chail.
The Sanjauli-Dhalli tunnel is not just a feat of engineering; it's a canvas of Himachal Pradesh's rich cultural heritage. Paintings within the tunnel, themed around the Jatar procession of Shimla, add an artistic touch to the infrastructure. Professor Him Chatterjee, the creative mind behind these paintings, shared that the tunnel depicts the Choltu dance form, a significant aspect of the "Pahari" dance prevalent in upper regions of the state.
Professor Chatterjee, chairman of the Department of Visual Arts at Himachal Pradesh University, explained that the paintings showcase the Jatar (devta) procession, symbolizing the journey from Shimla towards upper Shimla. Executed by students of the university and artists from Delhi, the hand-painted tunnel reflects the professor's commitment to preserving and promoting the state's cultural identity.
Update on Other Tunnel Projects
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, shared information that 34 tunnel projects are currently underway across the country on National Highways. Out of these, 26 projects are situated in the Himalayan region, designed with safety as a paramount consideration.
Enhancing Safety Measures:
Minister Gadkari highlighted that these tunnel projects adhere to guidelines for road tunnels, ensuring safety features such as service tunnels, separation walls, emergency openings, lay-byes, and automatic fire detection and suppression systems. The Silkyara bi-directional tunnel on Dharasu - Yumunotri highway, for instance, incorporates a separation wall and egress openings for vehicular and pedestrian escape during emergencies.
Support for Workers Trapped in Tunnel:
The focus on safety extends to unforeseen incidents, as witnessed recently when workers were trapped during the construction of a tunnel. Prompt measures were taken, providing medical aid to the trapped workers. As a financial support initiative, each worker received Rs 2.00 lakh in addition to one month's paid leave, demonstrating the commitment to workers' well-being.
The inauguration of the Sanjauli-Dhalli tunnel signifies not only improved connectivity for Himachal Pradesh but also a commitment to preserving and promoting the state's rich cultural heritage, ensuring the safety of commuters and workers involved in tunnel projects nationwide.
