Rohtang Pass opened to light vehicles

Tribune News Service

Manali, April 26

The district administration of Lahaul-Spiti opened Rohtang Pass for light vehicles between Manali and Keylong today. It will be a one-way traffic movement in the next few days until the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) authority widens the road.

Two days back, the BRO had cleared snow between the Manali-Koksar route on 70-km-long stretch. The BRO machinery and its workforce had been engaged in the snow-clearance operation since last month to open the road which had been closed since December.

Talking to The Tribune, the Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul Spiti, said the district administration had allowed the light vehicle movement between Manali and Keylong for the convenience of people who had been waiting desperately.

Vehicles from the Koksar side towards Manali would be released between 6 am and 9 am, while from the Marhi side towards Keylong between 11am and 3 pm, he said.

He said heavy vehicles would not be allowed till the proper clearance of road for smooth traffic in the region.

Manali Sub-Divisional Magistrate HR Bhairwa said only local people were allowed to ply vehicles on this route via Rohtang Pass. However, tourists were allowed till Gulaba. Until the BRO gave report of the road clearance to the district administration, the authority would not permit tourists to go beyond Gulaba.