Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Post-Snowfall Crisis: 685 Roads Blocked, Tourists Stranded
An intense cold wave has swept across Himachal Pradesh, leading to widespread disruptions after the hill state recorded its first significant snowfall of the season. Officials reported that 685 roads, including two national highways, remain blocked, causing massive traffic jams and leaving thousands of tourists stranded in popular destinations like Manali and Kufri.
Advisories Issued for High-Altitude Travel
In response to the hazardous conditions, authorities in Shimla and Kullu districts have issued urgent advisories. Tourists are urged to travel only in 4x4 vehicles and carry snow chains when visiting high-altitude areas such as Manali, Kufri, Narkanda, and Naldehra. The MeT department noted that Manali received 45.8 cm of snow, while Shimla saw 40 cm, exacerbating road closures and safety concerns.
Breakdown of Blocked Roads and Infrastructure Impact
The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti is the worst affected, with 292 roads blocked, followed by Chamba (132), Mandi (126), and Kullu (79). Beyond transportation woes, the snowfall has disrupted essential services: 126 water supply schemes and 5,775 transformers are non-functional due to fallen trees and snapped lines. This has left numerous households without electricity and potable water, compounding the crisis.
Rescue Operations and Traffic Management
Local efforts have been crucial in mitigating the situation. In Kullu, 12 tourists stranded near Raghupur Fort were rescued by six locals and escorted safely towards Sojha via Jibhi. Meanwhile, traffic restrictions are in place to manage the chaos. Shimla DSP Shakti Singh stated that only 4x4 vehicles and SUVs are being allowed on the Dhalli–Bhattakuffar road near Sanjauli, the gateway to Kufri, with these relaxations withdrawn in the evening due to freezing risks.
Stranded Tourists and Congestion Hotspots
Manali DSP KD Sharma highlighted the severity, noting that vehicle entry into Manali town has been completely stopped. Thousands of tourists are stranded on both sides of the Kullu–Manali route, with around 1,200 rescued and nearly 700 still stuck. The worst congestion occurred on an eight-kilometre stretch between Klath and Manali, where traffic was immobilized for over 24 hours. At Patlikuhal, about 16 km from Manali, only 4x4 vehicles are permitted to proceed, depending on traffic conditions.
Public Advisories and Essential Services Disruptions
The sub-divisional magistrate in Banjar issued a public advisory, restricting vehicular movement to Ghiyagi and advising tourists to stay in Jibhi and Ghiyagi due to poor road conditions in the Banjar–Jibhi–Sojha–Jalori belt. Bus services have been suspended in Shimla, Manali, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Lahaul-Spiti, leading to shortages of milk, bread, and other essentials in the state capital for a second consecutive day.
Health and Restoration Efforts
To assist stranded tourists, the Health Department has deployed mobile medical teams in Manali, setting up clinics to conduct health check-ups and distribute medicines under the supervision of BMO Naggar Dr Karn Kumar. Restoration work is ongoing at a war footing in areas like Karsog subdivision in Mandi district, where PWD machinery is prioritizing the reopening of key routes such as the Shimla–Mandi road.
Weather Forecast and Additional Precautions
The weather department has issued a yellow warning for dense fog and cold wave conditions in districts including Kangra, Mandi, and Solan for Sunday, with heavy snowfall predicted from January 26 to 28. In a related development, officials confirmed the release of 3,330 cusecs of water from Pandoh Dam into the Beas River as a precautionary measure due to rising reservoir levels from continuous rainfall.
