States » NorthPosted at: Jul 1 2025 11:23PM


172 yr old Dhali tunnel declared unsafe for vehicular traffic

Shimla, July 1(UNI) The Dhali Tunnel was on Tuesday declared unsafe by the district administration in a notification issued here as the Engineers had labelled it as risky after inspecting it.
The tunnel is about 172 years old, ongoing rains and pressure of heavy concrete load on the Sanjouli- Dhalli tunnel has aggravated the risks on the tunnel.
A press release issued by the Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashayap said that heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread disruptions across Shimla district, with authorities scrambling to restore normalcy amid blocked roads, power outages, and water supply issues.
''The situation took a serious turn with the emergency closure of the Old Dhalli Tunnel, a critical transportation link that has been declared unsafe.'' The district administration made the tough decision to immediately close the Old Sanjauli-Dhalli Tunnel after engineers confirmed its deteriorating condition posed grave risks.
This vital connection, known as MDR-66, was found to be structurally unsound for both vehicles and pedestrians. All traffic has now been diverted to the newly constructed parallel tunnel, which will handle two-way movement until further notice. Workers are rushing to install warning signs and barriers at the old tunnel site to prevent any accidental access. Meanwhile two way new tunnel constructed near the old tunnel would continue in the services , deputy commissioner announced
Across the district, the relentless rains have taken a toll on infrastructure. Currently, 32 link roads remain impassable, with Theog, Chopal and Kumarsain subdivisions bearing the brunt of the damage. In Kumarsain alone, 18 roads were blocked, though crews managed to reopen 14 by evening. The good news is that major highways including Shimla-Theog, Theog-Rohru and NH-05 between Kaithlighat and Rampur remain open to traffic.
The Rain and thunderstorms have knocked out 45 distribution transformers, plunging parts of Rampur and Kumarsain into darkness. Water supply has been equally affected, with over 100 drinking water schemes disrupted across Theog, Chopal and Jubbal areas. Restoration teams are working around the clock to repair the damage.
At an emergency meeting chaired by District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap, officials were instructed to maintain 24/7 vigilance and ensure response times don't exceed 15 minutes for any disaster situation. Special emphasis was placed on keeping apple transportation routes clear to support local farmers during this critical harvest season. Police Superintendent Sanjeev Gandhi has ordered closer coordination between law enforcement and civil administration to streamline relief efforts.
Residents are being urged to exercise caution, particularly near rivers and areas prone to landslides. The administration has pledged to provide regular updates as crews work to restore normal conditions across the district.
It is worthwhile to mentioned here that Britishers built number tunnel in Himachal including 103 tunnel on Shimla Kalka Railway line and four Tunnel in Shimla which includie Dhali Tunnel, Lower Bazaar Lakkar Bazar tunnel, Victory Tunnel and High court tunnel which is no dismantled. After Britishers only two tunnels are built in the town which include double lane Auckland and double land Sanjouli -Dhalli Tunnel. It is also pertinent to mentioned here that old Dhalli tunnel in Shimla was built around 172 years ago, specifically in 1852. It was initially a single-lane tunnel and has been replaced by a new double-lane tunnel to alleviate traffic congestion.
UNI ML RKM
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