The Mandi bypass tunnel project in Himachal Pradesh has achieved a major construction milestone. Around 60% of the excavation work for two tunnels has now been completed.
The tunnels form part of the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway project. They will allow traffic to bypass Mandi city and reduce pressure on roads running through the urban area.
According to a report published on September 17, construction teams have completed about 60% of the excavation work. The project authorities have set September 2027 as the target for completing the bypass project.
Two Tunnels Will Form the Bypass
The project includes two tunnels with a combined length of around 3.5 kilometres. Construction work began in March 2025.
The tunnels will create an alternative route around Mandi. This will help through traffic avoid the city and reduce congestion on existing roads.
The project forms part of the wider Pathankot-Mandi National Highway development. The highway aims to improve connectivity between important towns and transport corridors in Himachal Pradesh.
The construction teams are working to maintain the scheduled timeline. The September 2027 deadline remains the current target for completing the project.
Focus on Faster and Smoother Traffic Movement
Mandi remains an important transport point in Himachal Pradesh. Traffic moving through the region often serves destinations across the state and towards major tourist centres.
A bypass can separate through traffic from local city traffic. This can reduce congestion and improve travel conditions for residents and long-distance travellers.
The new tunnels will also provide a more direct route through the mountainous terrain. Such infrastructure can reduce the need for traffic to pass through busy sections of Mandi.
The project therefore has significance beyond the tunnel structures themselves. It forms part of a wider effort to improve road connectivity across the Himalayan state.
Difficult Himalayan Terrain Presents Challenges
Tunnel construction in Himachal Pradesh involves several engineering challenges. Mountainous terrain, changing geological conditions and monsoon-related risks can affect construction schedules.
Road and tunnel projects in the Mandi region have faced similar challenges. Authorities and construction agencies must assess slopes, rock conditions and drainage while carrying out excavation work.
The broader highway network around Mandi also includes several major tunnels and bridges. The National Highways Authority of India has developed tunnel corridors to improve connectivity through difficult terrain.
Recent work on the Kiratpur-Manali highway also highlights the growing role of tunnels in Himachal Pradesh’s road infrastructure.
Mandi-Kullu Connectivity Also Gets a Boost
The latest progress on the Mandi bypass comes soon after two other major tunnels opened on the Kiratpur-Manali highway.
The Deod Tunnel measures about 2.8 kilometres, while the Hanogi Tunnel measures around 650 metres. Both tunnels opened to traffic on September 11, 2026.
These tunnels form part of the Pandoh-Takoli section of NH-3. They aim to address important traffic bottlenecks between Mandi and Kullu-Manali.
The new tunnels have reduced the difficult road stretch through key bottleneck areas. Officials expect them to improve traffic movement towards Kullu-Manali and onward routes.
The developments show how tunnel-based infrastructure has become an important part of highway construction in Himachal Pradesh.
Pathankot-Mandi Highway Project Moves Ahead
The Mandi bypass is connected with the wider Pathankot-Mandi highway development. The project seeks to improve road connectivity across several parts of Himachal Pradesh.
Government project-monitoring data also lists the four-laning of the Bijni-to-Mandi section under the Pathankot-Mandi highway package. The project has a target completion date in September 2027.
The broader network will improve links between Mandi and other important parts of the state. Better highway infrastructure can also support tourism, trade and movement of goods.
For a mountainous state, reliable road connectivity remains particularly important. Highways provide essential links between towns, villages, markets and tourist destinations.
Construction Expected to Continue Through 2027
With 60% of tunnel excavation already complete, construction has entered an important phase. Work will continue on excavation, tunnel structures and other components required for the bypass.
The authorities have set September 2027 as the completion target. Meeting that deadline will depend on construction progress and conditions at the project site.
The project will also require coordination between construction agencies and local authorities. Traffic management, safety measures and protection of surrounding areas will remain important during the remaining work.
Once completed, the Mandi bypass tunnels are expected to provide an alternative route for traffic that does not need to enter the city.
Project Could Change Traffic Movement in Mandi
The completion of the bypass could bring a significant change to traffic movement around Mandi. Through vehicles will have the option of using the new route instead of travelling through busy city sections.
This can potentially reduce congestion and make local roads easier to use. It can also improve travel efficiency for vehicles travelling longer distances across Himachal Pradesh.
The tunnel project is therefore one part of a larger road-development programme in the state. Along with recently opened tunnels and other highway works, it reflects continued investment in mountain road infrastructure.
For now, construction teams remain focused on completing the remaining excavation and associated works. With around 60% of the tunnel excavation completed, the Mandi bypass project has crossed a key milestone on its path towards the September 2027 completion target.