Tunnel under Jalori Pass to ease year-round connectivity for remote Kullu District areas

For the people of Ani and Nirmand in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, a long-awaited dream is finally taking shape. The central government has greenlit the construction of a tunnel beneath the snow-clad Jalori Pass—an ambitious project that promises to transform lives by ensuring year-round access to the district headquarters.

Currently, heavy snowfall often cuts off these regions during winter, forcing residents to take long, costly detours via Shimla or Karsog. But with the tunnel in the works, over two dozen panchayats will soon be spared from traveling an extra 100 kilometers just to stay connected.

The ₹1,452 crore project, now officially approved, will see a 4.2-kilometer double-lane tunnel built between Bhargol (Ani) and Shoja (Banjar), along with approach roads on both sides. Once completed, it will not only reduce the Ani–Kullu distance by 8 kilometers but also cut the Shimla–Manali route by up to 45 kilometers.

More than just a road, this tunnel will carry water, electricity, and telecom lines—lifelines for remote communities. It’s a project that transcends politics, as Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh emphasized, and aims to bring lasting benefits to lakhs of people across Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, and Kinnaur.

The groundwork began back in 2019 with a geological survey conducted via MI-17 helicopters. Now, with alignment finalized and field inspections underway, the dream is inching closer to reality. Once built, the Jalori Tunnel will ensure that no season, no storm, and no snowfall can isolate these communities again.