Blocked by landslides, Kiratpur-Manali highway reopens after 18 hours

After remaining closed for nearly 18 hours due to flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been restored to traffic between Mandi and Kullu today.

The closure, which began last evening, had caused severe disruption across the region. Restoration work was completed around 12 noon today, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) deploying workforce and machinery through the night to clear debris from multiple blocked points.

While the highway is now open, authorities have only allowed one-way traffic movement at key vulnerable locations, including 9 Miles, Kainchi Mod, Dwada, and Jhalogi. These areas were worst affected by landslides and water logging. Traffic police personnel have been stationed at these points to regulate flow and ensure safety. Long traffic jams are being reported, particularly at these one-way stretches.

A significant incident occurred at the Rains Nala tunnel section of the highway, where flash flooding led to the inundation of tunnels, trapping several vehicles inside. Fortunately, occupants managed to escape in time, avoiding a major disaster.

In addition, the alternative route via Kamand and Kataula, which had also been blocked due to landslides, has been reopened for light vehicles, providing some relief to commuters.

Due to last evening’s highway blockade, a large number of travellers were stranded on both sides of the highway, particularly near the Bravo Company of the 133 Ecological Task Force (ETF) between Hanogi and Thalaut. The army personnel extended humanitarian assistance, offering food and shelter overnight to the stranded civilians, including women and children. All of them have been safely moved towards their destinations today.

Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan confirmed the highway has been reopened from Hanogi towards Kullu after intensive overnight restoration efforts. He stated that sufficient machinery and human resources were deployed to reopen the route and evacuate stranded vehicles. He urged all travellers to check road and weather conditions before travel and follow local administration’s advisory. Citizens have also been advised to avoid riverbanks and streams during this period of heavy rainfall.

The administration and emergency response teams remain on high alert across the region.