Chandigarh-Manali highway reopens after 40 hours

After nearly 40-hour disruption, the Chandigarh-Manali National highway was restored to vehicular traffic between Mandi and Kullu around 3 pm today. The highway was completely blocked due to multiple massive landslides triggered by relentless rain in Mandi district since yesterday.

The landslides occurred at key locations, including Kainchi Mod, Dwada and Jhalogi, bringing traffic to a standstill since early yesterday. A major landslide on the flyover near Dwada further complicated the situation as it buried parts of the highway under mounds of debris, making restoration work extremely difficult.

Heavy rainfall throughout the region had triggered continuous sliding in the affected areas, significantly delaying the clearing operations. Commuters stranded on the route were forced to spend night in their vehicles, grappling with uncertainty and adverse weather conditions.

Commuters were finally relieved today when the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in coordination with local authorities, restored the highway. Restoration teams worked round the clock, despite ongoing challenges, to clear the debris and make the road motorable.

While normal traffic has resumed on most sections of the highway, one-way movement is being enforced at some vulnerable spots, particularly near 4 Miles and Dwada. The Mandi Police have deployed personnel on the site to regulate traffic and ensure safety of commuters.

“Commuters are advised to drive cautiously and strictly follow the directions of traffic police, especially at the one-way sections,” stated a police officer. “Our teams are on duty continuously to manage traffic and assist the public,” he added.

This highway is a critical lifeline for the tourism-driven economy of Kullu and Manali. The authorities have urged travellers to stay updated on road conditions before planning their journey as during the monsoon season landslides are frequent in hilly terrains.

Himachal Tribune