Manali-Leh road reopened for emergency vehicles

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored the Manali-Leh highway between Manali and Keylong today for the movement of 4x4 and emergency vehicles that was blocked following heavy snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti yesterday. The Lahaul valley was cut off from the rest of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy snowfall near the Atal Tunnel and Keylong and traffic was halted. Roads were blocked due to accumulated snow.

Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and Spiti, Rahul Kumar confirmed that the Manali-Leh highway had been reopened for emergency vehicles, enabling access to vital services. However, he noted that it would take some time before the road was fully restored to regular traffic. The Keylong-Udaipur road was also opened for emergency vehicles and the BRO and the Public Works Department (PWD) continue to work under challenging conditions to restore full connectivity across the district.

The snowfall, which began yesterday, disrupted transportation not only in Lahaul and Spiti but also affected travel to and from the district. With roads blocked, travellers and locals alike were stranded, awaiting the clearing of snow from the affected routes.

The Deputy Commissioner has advised both locals and tourists to refrain from unnecessary travel in the region until roads are fully restored and are deemed safe for smooth traffic. The risks posed by avalanches and other snow-related hazards are a concern, particularly in high-altitude areas. The authorities concerned continue to monitor the situation and will provide necessary updates.