TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION

TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION:-After the integration of this district with Himachal Pradesh the once mountain locked area is now connected with the outside world through motor able road from Kullu, Leh and Pangi. The Rohtang Pass is no more forbidding and is crossed on vehicles during the fair weather. These links with the outer world have brought about a revolutionary change and resultant a common language facilitating easy communication of ideas and interchanging them. Thus the region became the hub of developmental activities in all the fields like education, cottage industries, animal husbandry, agriculture, medical facilities and community development.

In ancient times, as a lack of rulers attention there was no progress in transport and communication. Only the narrow tracts which had been carved by the heads of sheep and goats were available and few adventurers had discovered the paths themselves. An extremely difficult trade route was in existence through high Rohtang Pass and went up to Leh. With change of international situation and Chinese aggression of 1962 had hastened the pace of construction for the military movement. Our government has constructed and developed National Highway No. 21 from Manali to Leh via Rohtang Pass and Keylong. However, this road is not all weather road as the Rohtang Pass closes in the winter. Now our government has decided to make it possible to open it through out the year by constructing tunnel under Rohtang Pass by 2014-15. When this dream project will be completed by the government, then it will definitely be not less then a bless for Lahoulis. There is no doubt it will definitely strengthen our nation's security , on the other hand it will boost up the economic condition of Lahoul. Besides this main road, a road from Tandi to Pangi is constructed by our government. Lahoulis use this road to make them in contact with rest of the world. Towards Spiti from National Highway at Gramphoo another road extends up to the end of the boundary of Lahoul Spiti. There are many inter village and inter valley roads and paths through which the movement of men and materials goes on. Now there are bridges over each and every nullah and river. The older bridges were repaired, smaller ones were modified. Now Himachal Road Transport Corporation provides regular bus services between Manali- Keylong, Keylong- Leh, Keylong -Udaipur and Keylong -Kaza. Besides this our government has also linked maximum of our villages through Himachal Road Transport Corporation. Climatic condition of the region do not allow the communication round the year due to road blocks during heavy snow falls, sudden floods and huge avalanches. Yet the communication can never be left with Lahoul disconnected due to climatic hazards. A helicopter service is maintained during such periods. Besides, there now exists almost all advanced communication system. Till now people used to contact through wireless system for communication of urgent messages. This wireless stations were working under the Post and Telegraph and Police Department. Post and Telegraph wireless stations cater to the needs of the public and police wireless stationed are meant for government purposes. In 1853, during Moravian Mission, some kind of postal work started. The mail was sent from Sultanpur to Keylong thrice a week. In 1869, a branch office was opened at Keylong for summer season only. In 1935, a second post office was opened at Lote in Pattan valley. After Independence the postal services were extended to various centers in the district and a daily postal service was provided. After about 1966 a network of post offices was extended to this district also as elsewhere in Himachal Pradesh. In Lahoul sub division two sub offices at Keylong and Lote with saving bank facilities were opened besides several other branch post offices at Gemur, Gondhla, Goshal, Jispa, Malang, Jalma, Shansha and Thirot etc. Now there is sub post office in almost every village. With the advent of new means of communication, it has completely changed the life style of Lahoulis and made their life easier and comfortable.

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