Bhali landslide, Banoi slush block highway

Heavy rains triggered a major landslide at Bhali and slush accumulation at Banoi yesterday, bringing traffic on the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway to a standstill. The four-lane stretch remained blocked for over three hours, leaving ambulances, buses and private vehicles stranded in long queues on both sides.

The Bhali stretch, already flagged for risky deep cutting by NH authorities before the monsoon, proved especially hazardous. Despite the use of heavy machinery, persistent soil sliding from rain-soaked slopes delayed clearance efforts. Though traffic was eventually restored, vehicles continued skidding on the muddy surface, sparking serious safety fears.

“Crossing this area now feels like risking one’s life,” lamented a commuter stuck in the jam. Students, government employees and daily travellers were unable to reach their destinations, with many forced to return home.

At Banoi, near Kangra Airport, poor drainage is suspected to have triggered slush accumulation, further choking the highway. Similarly, the Gaggal-Kangra road was blocked for hours due to another fresh slide.

Local residents are demanding urgent slope stabilisation with protective nets and retaining layers before further widening work continues. With monsoon rains persisting, authorities face mounting pressure to adopt stronger preventive measures to ensure commuter safety on this vital corridor.