Over 2,000 tourists stranded after landslide near Manali

Tribune News Service
Mandi, May 17

Over 2,000 tourists have been left stranded near Manali after a landslide cut off their route back into the tourist town on Friday, authorities said.   

The landslide occurred beyond Gulaba, authorities said, leaving some 600 tourist vehicles stranded between Gulaba and Marhi—a place that is 36 km from Manali. Heavy rain on Friday reportedly forced authorities to restrict tourists to Marhi.  

Authorities allow tourists up to Marhi until Rohtang Pass—which is some 15 km away—is opened up for the summer. Kullu administration was supposed to open Rohtang up for tourists on May 15. 

With Border Roads Organisation’s machinery posted near Rohtang Pass also cut off, the local administration said clearing the road was likely to take longer than usual.  

Manali’s Sub Divisional Magistrate Ashwani Kumar said he expected vehicular traffic to be restored in two hours.

Meanwhile, some tourists have begun to walk down toward Manali, authorities said.