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Construction of Lohaghat Bypass (Chainage 136.450 to Chainage 142.150) including Tunnel on NH-09 in the State of Uttarakhand

Location

The proposed Lohaghat Bypass is located in Champawat district of Uttarakhand, on National Highway-09. The bypass stretch extends from Chainage 136.450 to Chainage 142.150, bypassing the congested Lohaghat town area. The alignment traverses hilly terrain characterized by sharp curves, steep gradients, and forest-influenced zones, necessitating special engineering interventions including tunnel construction.

Background and Problem Statement

NH-09 is an important national highway providing connectivity to the Kumaon region and further towards the Indo-Nepal border. Lohaghat town lies directly on the existing alignment of NH-09 and experiences severe traffic congestion due to narrow carriageway, roadside development, local pedestrian movement, and mixed traffic conditions. The passage of through traffic, including commercial vehicles and tourist traffic, through the town leads to frequent delays, increased travel time, safety hazards, and environmental issues such as noise and air pollution. The constrained urban environment also limits the scope for widening and improvement of the existing road within the town.

Project Concept and Need

To address the above issues, the construction of a dedicated Lohaghat Bypass, including a tunnel, has been conceptualized. The project aims to divert through traffic away from the town, ensuring uninterrupted movement along NH-09 while decongesting the urban area. The inclusion of a tunnel is necessitated by the hilly terrain to achieve optimal geometry, minimize environmental impact, and reduce travel distance and gradients. The project is essential for improving road safety, travel efficiency, and long-term sustainability of the highway corridor.

Key Components and Features

  • Construction of a new bypass road from Chainage 136.450 to Chainage 142.150 on NH-09.
  • Provision of a tunnel to negotiate difficult hilly terrain and maintain desirable road geometry.
  • Development of carriageway as per applicable IRC and MoRTH standards.
  • Improvement of approach roads and junctions at both ends of the bypass.
  • Provision of drainage works, slope protection measures, and retaining/breast walls.
  • Road safety features including crash barriers, signage, road markings, and lighting at critical locations.
  • Environmental protection measures in forest and eco-sensitive areas.

Beneficiaries and Coverage

The project will benefit:

  • Local residents of Lohaghat town through reduced congestion and improved urban environment.
  • Through traffic, including commercial vehicles and tourists, by providing a faster and safer route.
  • Pilgrims and visitors traveling within the Kumaon region.
  • Emergency and essential service providers. The bypass covers a length of approximately 5.70 km on NH-09.

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

  • Significant reduction in travel time and vehicle operating costs.
  • Decongestion of Lohaghat town and improvement in quality of life for residents.
  • Enhanced road safety by segregation of local and through traffic.
  • Reduced environmental pollution within the town area.
  • Improved regional connectivity and support to tourism and economic activities.

Current Status of the Project

  • Land Acquisition Status: The project is presently at the alignment stage. After approval of the alignment, land acquisition and forest clearance proposals will be initiated.
  • At present, the alignment proposal is under scrutiny at the Regional Office, MoRTH.

Implementation Plan / Next Steps

  • Approval of final alignment by the competent authority.
  • Initiation of land acquisition proceedings and forest clearance proposals.
  • Simultaneous preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
  • Approval of DPR by MoRTH.
  • Invitation of tenders and award of work for execution.
  • Construction of bypass and tunnel works in a phased and time-bound manner.

Conclusion

The construction of the Lohaghat Bypass with tunnel on NH-09 will provide a safe, efficient, and sustainable highway corridor in the hilly terrain of Champawat district. The project will reduce travel time and transportation costs for road users, preserve the existing town structure of Lohaghat by diverting heavy and through traffic, and enhance overall safety and efficiency of NH-09. The bypass will play a crucial role in supporting regional tourism, strategic connectivity, and socio-economic development of Uttarakhand.