Thousands of vehicles risk accidents while crossing the tunnel every day, as it has turned showery now and keeps drizzling frequently, due to which big pot holes have been developed. Moreover, there are no traffic lights or cops posted around the tunnel area to regulate traffic, despite the tunnel being small, allowing only one vehicle to pass at a time.
In 1999, declaring the road a national highway, the government had promised to renovate the tunnel, sources said. But nothing has been done so far, though even ministers and other dignitaries have to cross the tunnel during their visits, they said.
Kangra district has three major shrines has got four cabinet ministers in previous and incumbent government but still it is ignored.
"The height of the tunnel is 4.80 metres while the length is less than 50 metres. The department had prepared a detailed project report five years ago, after sanction of funds from World Bank. The estimated cost of tunnel renovation was about Rs 35 crore," said an official.
The worst sufferers in this regard seem to be automobile industry players. Firms running four and two wheeler showrooms in Kangra, Palampur, Dharamshala and other adjoining areas have to pay double freight on trucks bringing new vehicles as they have to take long route which means 53 kms extra journey. Or else, they have to receive the vehicles ahead of the tunnel and drive these separately to the outlets.
Kangra had four ministers in the previous and current state governments and has three major shrines, yet this key tunnel remains in a poor shape, rued a resident.
Courtesy: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Century-old-NH-tunnel-a-scourge-for-commuters-lies-in-neglect/articleshow/22593822.cms
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