Context: Recently, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh inaugurated the newly-constructed Sanjauli-Dhalli tunnel.

About Sanjauli-Dhalli Tunnel

• New Sanjauli-Dhalli Tunnel: It is a double-lane tunnel spanning around 150 meters built with an estimated cost Rs 47 crore.
  • Existing Dhalli tunnel: It was constructed in 1852 as a single-lane passage. It had surpassed its design life, causing persistent traffic congestion. 

• Location: New Sanjauli-Dhalli Tunnel is strategically positioned on the route to popular tourist destinations, such as Kufri, Naldehra, Tattapani, Narkanda and Chail. 
• Importance of the Sanjauli-Dhalli Tunnel: 
  • Address the Needs of both Residents and Visitor: It will ease the movement and contribute to the region’s economic growth. Tourism will benefit significantly from the improved connectivity. 
  • Modernize Infrastructure: New tunnel is the most viable and sustainable solution to reduce congestion on Shimla’s circular road.
• Promotes Culture: Inside the tunnel, 210 paintings depicting culture of Himachal Pradesh have been designed and wide footpaths have been built on both sides.
  • The paintings in the tunnel are on the theme of the Jatar (Devta) procession of Shimla.
  • The tunnel was hand- painted and the Choltu dance form depicted in the paintings is an important form of “Pahari” dance, especially in upper Himachal areas like Theog, Rohru, Rampur, Kotkhai.
    • The dance is performed in the devotion of local deities on special occasions.

Also Read: Analysis Of The Uttarakhand Silkyara Tunnel Collapse

News Source: Pioneer