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Pithoragarh: Travel to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat in Uttarakhand will soon become easier and safer. The central government has announced the construction of a 5.4-kilometer-long tunnel from Bundi to Garbyang in Pithoragarh district. This tunnel will reduce the road distance by 22 kilometers and help pilgrims, tourists, and local villagers.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta shared this information during his visit to Pithoragarh. He said the tunnel will be built on the fragile hillside of Chhaialekh, where road conditions are difficult and heavy vehicles struggle to pass. The tunnel will solve this problem and make the route smoother.
90% of the work on the Dharchula–Lipulekh road has been completed
Currently, about 90% of the work on the Dharchula–Lipulekh road has been completed. However, the Chhaialekh stretch remains a challenge due to steep slopes and sharp turns. The road from Dharchula to Gunji has 27 dangerous bends, some nearly at 90 degrees. During the rainy season, landslides and debris often block the road, making travel risky.
DPR for the tunnel is in its final stage
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the tunnel is in its final stage. Once approved, construction will begin. The government has also started the process of land acquisition. Ajay Tamta said Rs 137 crore has been set aside for compensation, and 60% of this amount has already been transferred to the accounts of affected residents.
This tunnel also has strategic value
This tunnel is not just important for tourism—it also has strategic value. The Dharchula–Gunji–Lipulekh road connects to areas near the China and Nepal borders. Forces like the Army, ITBP, and SSB are deployed here. The tunnel will improve India’s access to these sensitive border regions and help in faster movement of troops and supplies.
Villagers from remote villages will benefit
Villagers from six remote villages—Garbyang, Napalchu, Rangkang, Gunji, Nabi, and Kuti—will benefit from this tunnel. Their travel will become easier, and they will have better access to markets, hospitals, and schools. The tunnel will also boost local development and reduce isolation.
Will give a boost to tourism as well
Tourism is expected to grow once the tunnel is built. Adi Kailash and Om Parvat are sacred destinations for pilgrims. Every year, many people visit these places as part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. With better roads and safer travel, more tourists will be encouraged to visit.
Major step toward infrastructure development in the border area
The tunnel project is a major step toward improving infrastructure in Uttarakhand’s border areas. It will support religious tourism, strengthen national security, and improve the lives of local people. Once completed, the Bundi–Garbyang tunnel will be a vital link in the journey to Adi Kailash.
