BRO restores road stretch between Manali and Keylong

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully restored the Manali-Leh highway between Manali and Keylong today, allowing the movement of emergency vehicles. This stretch of the highway, which connects the Lahaul valley to Manali, was blocked yesterday due to heavy snowfall around the Atal Tunnel, severely affecting traffic. While the highway has been cleared for emergency services, the movement of tourist vehicles remains restricted beyond Solang Nala due to safety concerns.

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The road to Keylong was impacted by the snowfall, which led to a temporary closure of the highway. However, the Manali administration has now permitted the movement of tourist vehicles up to Solang Nala from Manali. Traffic beyond Solang Nala towards Atal Tunnel remains unsuitable for general vehicles due to the challenging conditions, including snow and ice build-up.

Deputy Superintendent of Police for Manali, KD Sharma, confirmed that the movement of tourists is restricted beyond Solang Nala, primarily for public safety. However, he assured that emergency vehicles, including those transporting patients or essential supplies, will be allowed to pass.

In addition to this, the BRO has also worked to restore road connectivity in the Lahaul and Spiti region. The road between Keylong and Darcha, a critical section of the Manali-Leh highway, has been reopened to facilitate smooth travel between these two areas.

Efforts are underway to restore road connectivity in other parts of Lahaul and Spiti, specifically on the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road. The Public Works Department (PWD) has mobilised a team of workers and machinery to clear several link roads that have been blocked due to the ongoing snowfall.

With winter continuing to impact the region, the BRO and local authorities are working tirelessly to restore full connectivity and ensure the safety of travellers. The authorities have urged the public to follow safety guidelines and remain updated on road conditions before undertaking travel in these snowbound areas.

Yesterday, Lahaul and Spiti police rescued two individuals along with their vehicle to a safe place from Ropsang Nala. Due to snowfall, they were trapped in the area.