A landslide struck the Shimla-Mataur National Highway (NH-205) near Namhol in Bilaspur district on July 1, 2026, blocking the road and bringing traffic to a standstill. The incident led to long queues of stranded vehicles on both sides, causing significant inconvenience to commuters traveling between Shimla, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur.
Landslide Details and Response
According to police reports, a substantial amount of debris fell onto the road near Namhol, completely obstructing the highway. Police and district administration teams promptly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bilaspur, Abhishek Dhiman, confirmed the incident and appealed to commuters for cooperation.
SP Dhiman stated, "We urge all travelers to cooperate with traffic police personnel and adhere to traffic rules. Avoid unnecessary overtaking to ensure safe and smooth movement of vehicles."
Traffic Diversions and Alternate Routes
To manage the disruption, authorities have diverted traffic to alternate routes. Commuters traveling from Bilaspur and Hamirpur to Shimla are advised to use the Brahmpukhar-Jukhala-Jabbal Bridge-Kotla-Kharsi-Dailamod road. Vehicles heading to Mandi from Shimla should take the Shimla-Dailamod-Navgaon-Kharsi-Kotla-Beri-Mandi route.
The landslide has caused a complete halt on NH-205, with no immediate timeline for clearance. Authorities are working to remove debris and restore normalcy. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow official updates.
