HRTC suspends service between Manali, Keylong

Tribune News Service

Mandi, December 3

The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation suspended its bus service between Manali and Keylong due to fresh snowfall today at Atal tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway. As many as eight routes were suspended between Kullu and Keylong.

Rush expected in coming days

We are expecting a high tourist influx to Kullu-Manali in the coming days as there is plenty of snow for the recreation of tourists at the Atal Tunnel and Gulaba, which are just a few kilometres away from Manali. Anup Thakur, Kullu-Manali vikas paryatan mandal president

Snowfall started in morning at both portals of the Atal Tunnel at Dhundhi and Sissu. As a result, a considerable amount of snow has been deposited on the road, which made the movement of HRTC buses between Manali and Keylong risky.

Mangal Manepa, Regional Manager of HRTC Depot at Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti, said, “Due to fresh snow on the Manali-Leh highway at the Atal Tunnel and beyond the tunnel towards the Lahaul valley, the road has become slippery for the movement of buses. So, bus service between Manali and Keylong has been suspended. Routes within Lahaul and Spiti are also affected.”

He said as soon as the road becomes suitable for the movement of buses, the service would be restored.

Meanwhile, the Manali administration stopped the movement of tourists beyond the Solang valley toward Lahaul on the second day in view of public safety. Only 4x4 vehicles were allowed to move beyond the Solang valley.

Rohtang Pass and its nearby places like Marhi and Gulaba also received fresh snow today, which delighted hoteliers of Manali. They are expecting good business in the coming days as snow is a major attraction for tourists here. Anup Thakur, president, Kullu-Manali Vikas Paryatan Mandal, said, “We are expecting a high tourist influx to Kullu-Manali in the coming days as there is plenty of snow on the ground for the recreation at the Atal Tunnel and Gulaba, which are just a few kilometres away from Manali.”

The Kullu administration also banned the movement of tourists towards the Jalori Pass in the Banjar valley today. Deputy Commissioner, Kullu, Ashutosh Garg urged tourists to avoid venturing towards high altitude areas of the district in the coming days.

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