Foundation stone of Bangana-Dhaneta tunnel laid

The tunnel project is estimated to cost Rs 145.47 crore and reduce the distance between Bangana and Dhaneta by eight kms, Dhumal said on the occasion.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of three tunneling projects had been prepared, which included Holi-Uttrala, connecting Bharmour of district Chamba with Baijnath in district Kangra.

Bhubu Jot tunnel project, connecting Joginder Nagar and Kullu area, and Bangana-Dhaneta project have been considered as well.

Work on Bangana-Dhaneta tunnel project would be started on priority basis, for which a provision of Rs 10 crore had already been made.

The tunnel was bound to boost tourism in the area since a large number of devotees and tourists had been travelling through Una and entering other parts of the state, he said.

Hitting out at the Centre, Dhumal accused it of discriminating against Himachal. Inspite of this, the state had performed "remarkably" well on the developmental front.

On the issue of price rise, Dhumal said the UPA government had completely failed to ensure stable prices and claimed they were "taxing the poor."