Landslides render travel on Chandigarh-Manali highway risky

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, August 10

The Chandigarh-Manali highway, a crucial artery connecting Kullu and Manali and Lahaul and Spiti districts, has become increasingly perilous for travellers between Mandi and Pandoh due to frequent landslides during the monsoon season. Heavy rains have exacerbated the already fragile condition of this vital route, causing frequent disruptions and heightening the risk for commuters in the region.

For the past three days, frequent landslides at 9 Miles have disrupted traffic on the highway for long hours, putting travellers to huge inconvenience. This highway was again blocked at 9 Miles a couple of days ago. Though it was restored the next morning, the travellers remained stranded during night.

Frequent roadblocks

• The stretch of the Chandigarh-Manali highway between Mandi and Pandoh, known for its scenic beauty, has witnessed a surge in landslides, leading to roadblocks and extended travel times
• Local authorities say that the situation has deteriorated due to recent heavy rains
• The continuous rainfall has saturated the soil, reducing its stability and triggering numerous landslides
• Authorities have urged commuters to stay informed about the highway condition and follow weather advisories

The stretch of the highway between Mandi and Pandoh, known for its scenic beauty, has witnessed a surge in landslides, leading to blockades and extended travel times. The local authorities say that the situation has deteriorated due to heavy rains in the past one week. The continuous rainfall has saturated the soil, reducing its stability and triggering numerous landslides that have obstructed traffic and damaged roads.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is working round the clock to clear debris and repair the damaged sections of the road. However, the sheer number of landslides and the challenging weather conditions have made its task arduous. The landslide-prone areas, especially those with steep gradients and loose soil, need immediate attention.

The district administration has advised people to exercise extreme caution while travelling on this stretch of the highway. Mandi Additional SP Sagar Chander said that the highway safety patrol had been deployed to monitor and manage traffic flow. Efforts were made to ensure that stranded vehicles were assisted and safety measures were strictly enforced, he added.

According to tourism stakeholders of Kullu and Manali, the increased landslide activity is also impacting local businesses and tourism, which are vital for the economy of Kullu district. The region’s popular attractions, trekking routes and scenic viewpoints are experiencing a reduced footfall as tourists are discouraged by hazardous travel conditions. Local businesses dependent on tourism are facing significant economic strain due to a drop in visitors’ number.

In response to the ongoing challenges, the district administration and the NHAI are focusing on maintenance protocols. The NHAI has deployed its workforce and machinery in the area round the clock to clear the road in case of a landslide. Meanwhile, chorus is growing from the hoteliers of Kullu-Manali for a long-term solution to protect the highway from natural hazards.

As the monsoon season continues, the safety of travellers remains the top priority and the authorities are urging commuters to stay informed about the road conditions and heed to weather advisories.