BRO restores Manali-Leh highway, 212 tourists rescued from Lahaul valley

After two days of heavy snowfall that led to the blockage of the Manali-Leh highway between Manali and Keylong near the Atal Tunnel, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully restored the route for the movement of 4x4 vehicles. The snowstorm had severely affected the movement of traffic in the region, trapping tourists and their vehicles in the Lahaul valley.

As soon as the BRO cleared the route, the Lahaul and Spiti police, in coordination with the BRO, launched a rescue operation to evacuate tourists stranded in the region. The police managed to safely evacuate 212 tourists, along with 38 vehicles, from the Lahaul side towards Manali. The efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the stranded visitors were supported by a thorough assessment and securing of dangerous spots along the road.

Lahaul and Spiti SP Mayank Chaudhary said, “Due to heavy snowfall, traffic within the district was disrupted. In this challenging situation, the district police worked in close collaboration with the BRO to ensure the roads were safe and operational. All risky areas were analysed and secured, and tourists stranded in areas like Keylong and its surrounding regions were provided with assistance. We have successfully sent these tourists to their destinations today.”

The SP emphasised the district police’s commitment to maintaining safety and offering help to those in need, reaffirming their readiness to support the community.

Meanwhile, in the neighbouring Mandi district, nine roads in the Seraj region were also blocked due to snowfall. The Public Works Department (PWD) has been working to restore connectivity and clear the roads for safe travel.

The Lahaul and Spiti district administration has urged locals and visitors to exercise caution and refrain from venturing into snow-avalanches-prone areas in the coming days. With the main roads in Lahaul and Spiti now open, authorities continue to monitor the situation, focusing on restoring full connectivity and supporting residents and travellers during this challenging winter season.