Kullu-Manali highway: New traffic plan issued amid ongoing repairs

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh has issued fresh directives to regulate traffic on the Kullu-Manali national highway, as authorities continue battling the aftermath of this year’s devastating monsoon floods and landslides. The vital highway, which runs alongside the Beas, was severely damaged when relentless rainfall in August washed away long stretches of road and protective embankments, snapping connectivity between Kullu and Manali for more than three weeks.

Partial restoration allowed one-way movement to resume on September 16, but the administration has now put in place a strict traffic management plan to balance travel needs with urgent road restoration and widening work.

According to the new schedule, the Right Bank Road from Raison to Manali will remain closed daily between 10 am-2 pm and 5 pm-9:30 pm. During these hours, all traffic will be diverted to the Left Bank Road via Raison. From 2 pm-5 pm, the Right Bank Road will allow one-way traffic from Kullu to Manali, while local vehicles between Patlikul and Kalath may move in both directions. To ensure safety, vehicles will not be allowed to start after 4:30 pm from Raison or after 5:20 pm from Aloo Ground, since the journey typically takes 50 minutes.

The highway will remain entirely closed from 5 pm-9:30 pm for restoration activities, with exceptions made only for emergency services. After 9:30 pm, the route will reopen for one-way traffic until 10 am the following day. Local vehicles between Patlikul and Kalath will again enjoy two-way movement during this period. Meanwhile, the section from Raison to 15 Mile (Dohlunala) will remain open for two-way traffic, but movement from 15 Mile to Aloo Ground will be phased and regulated. Ironically, the highway had been widened into a two-lane stretch in 2021 to ease congestion and accommodate growing tourism. Yet, much of this expanded road was destroyed in the 2023 floods, and several sections remain unrepaired. The latest round of flooding has further battered the 38-kilometer Kullu-Manali corridor, raising public concerns about the durability of past construction and repair works.

Authorities urge commuters and tourists to adhere to the new timetable, cautioning that failure to do so may result in delays and safety risks. Officials said every effort is being made to expedite repairs. The employees are working diligently to restore normal traffic flow on this vital valley lifeline, aiming for the earliest possible resolution to minimise disruptions.

Tourism entrepreneur Budhi Prakash Thakur said heavy vehicles bringing supply to Manali should not be diverted through the Left Bank road, as this is causing traffic congestion.