Chandigarh-Manali highway damaged, hoteliers seek early restoration

Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, August 2
The tourism industry in Manali has been dealt a severe blow because of heavy damage to a portion of the Chandigarh-Manali highway during the current monsoon season. The damage to the highway, a crucial artery for tourists and local transport, has raised concerns among hoteliers and local businesses.
Hoteliers and business owners in Manali, a popular hill station known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant tourism sector, are anxious. They have urged the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to undertake the restoration work to reopen the highway as soon as possible.
“The recent rains have caused widespread damage across the Kullu district. Road infrastructure, both public and private properties, and Malana power projects have been severely affected. The destruction has disrupted daily life,” said Anup Thakur, president of Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal.
Local authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate repair efforts. The NHAI has been tasked with prioritising the restoration of the damaged section of the highway.
“The current situation is reminiscent of the last year’s disaster, which had a detrimental effect on the tourism sector in Manali. Hoteliers are concerned that if the highway remains closed for an extended period, the adverse effects on their businesses could be even more acute this time. They are demanding prompt action and support from both local and national authorities to address the infrastructure issues,” said another hotelier Hemraj Sharma.
Varun Chari, project Director of NHAI, said that the highway was damaged at Raison and Kalath near Manali, where restoration work is under progress. It is expected that the highway will be restored within two days for one-way traffic.