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Widening of NH-07 Helong–Joshimath–Mana Corridor including NH-107B stretches

Location

The projects are located along NH-07 (Old NH-58) and connected strategic stretches including NH-107B in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand. The corridor extends from Helong–Joshimath–Marwari–Vishnuprayag–Lambagarh–Benakuli–Mana–Mana Pass and further from Joshimath to Suraithota and Malari towards the Indo-China border.

Background and Problem Statement

NH-07 forms a critical segment of the Char Dham route (Badrinath) and also serves as a strategic road for defence movement to border areas. The existing road was narrow, geometrics were substandard, and several stretches were highly vulnerable to landslides, snow avalanches, river scouring, and terrain instability.

Major challenges included:

  • Frequent landslides and slope failures (Hatipahar, Govindghat, Benakuli, etc.).
  • Inadequate carriageway width and weak pavement conditions.

These constraints affected pilgrimage traffic, local connectivity, and strategic mobility.

Project Concept and Need

The integrated development of NH-07 under Project Shivalik has been conceptualized to:

  • Upgrade the corridor to 2-lane / Intermediate Lane with paved/hard shoulders.
  • Enhance pavement strength and riding quality.
  • Provide long-term landslide mitigation and slope stabilization.
  • Improve bridge infrastructure and cross-drainage capacity.
  • Strengthen strategic connectivity to border posts.
  • Ensure safe and smooth traffic flow during peak Char Dham Yatra season.

The works are being executed under EPC mode and Bharatmala/Chardham Programme in a phased package approach (Pkg-5A, 5B, 5C, etc.).

Key Components and Features

Across various packages, the projects include:

  • Upgradation to 2-Lane / Intermediate Lane with paved or hard shoulders (NHDL configuration).
  • Construction of multiple Major and Minor Bridges.
  • Culverts and cross-drainage works.
  • MSE walls and protection works.
  • Landslide stabilization and slope treatment measures.
  • Snow avalanche gallery (200 m) in high-altitude stretches.
  • River training and anti-scouring works.
  • Utility ducts and wayside amenities (select stretches).

Key strategic stretches covered include

  • Helong–Joshimath
  • Joshimath–Marwari
  • Vishnuprayag–Lambagarh
  • Lambagarh–Benakuli
  • Mana–Mana Pass
  • Joshimath–Suraithota–Malari (NH-107B)

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

  • Enhanced traffic capacity and smoother riding surface.
  • Improved safety in landslide and avalanche-prone zones.
  • Reliable connectivity to Badrinath and Mana (last Indian village).
  • Strengthened defence logistics and heavy vehicle mobility to border posts.
  • Socio-economic development of remote border villages.
  • Reduced travel disruptions during peak pilgrimage season.
  • Long-term climate-resilient highway infrastructure in Himalayan terrain.

Current Status of the Project

The corridor development is being executed in multiple packages with varying progress status:

  • Helong–Joshimath: 99.80% (Almost Completed)
  • Joshimath–Marwari: 28% (In Progress; LA/FC pending)
  • Hatipahar (Pkg-5A): 99% (Short & long-term measures under consideration)
  • Vishnuprayag–Lambagarh (Pkg-5B): 99% (Minor de-scoped works pending)
  • Lambagarh–Benakuli (Pkg-5C): 96% (Bridge superstructure under progress)
  • Joshimath–Suraithota (NH-107B): 76% (LA & utility shifting in progress)
  • Suraithota–Malari (NH-107B): 65% (LA issues ongoing)
  • Mana–Mana Pass: 20.50% (Forest clearance & CA land issues)

Major pending issues relate to Land Acquisition, Forest Clearance, Compensatory Afforestation land suitability, utility shifting, and limited High Court related constraints.

Conclusion

The NH-07 corridor development under Project Shivalik (BRO) represents a strategically vital and nationally significant infrastructure initiative in Uttarakhand. By upgrading critical Himalayan stretches to improved geometric and structural standards, the project ensures safer pilgrimage movement, enhanced socio-economic growth of remote regions, and robust defence connectivity to border areas.

Upon full completion, the corridor will serve as a resilient, high-capacity, and strategically dependable highway network supporting both national security and regional development objectives.