Manali-Leh road reopens for light vehicles via Baralacha-La

In a major relief to travellers, tourists and local residents, the strategically important Manali-Leh highway via Darcha-Sarchu passing through the high-altitude Baralacha-La pass was reopened for light motor vehicles (LMVs) yesterday. The restoration of the road has been made possible through the joint efforts of the Lahaul-Spiti district administration and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), particularly the 70 RCC unit.

The route, located at an altitude of over 16,000 ft, had remained inaccessible due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions over the past several months. Despite harsh climatic challenges, BRO authorities carried out snow-clearing and road restoration work on a war footing to make the road traffic-worthy.

Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Lahaul-Spiti, Kiran Bhadana said that if traffic movement remains smooth over the next three days, the administration would also restore the movement of heavy vehicles on the route.

She said this year, work to reopen both the Baralacha-La and Shinkula passes in Lahaul and Spiti has progressed rapidly, calling it a significant achievement for the region. According to the administration, the reopening of these key mountain passes will improve connectivity and provide a major boost to transportation and tourism activities in the tribal district.

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The Deputy Commissioner further informed that the Police Department has been directed to ensure proper traffic management and continuous monitoring across the route to maintain passenger safety. Authorities have also been instructed to provide immediate assistance in case of any emergency situation on the highway.

The reopening of the Manali-Leh highway is expected to significantly benefit tourism in Lahaul-Spiti. Every year, once the Manali–Leh highway becomes operational, thousands of tourists travel through Lahaul towards Leh, generating business opportunities for hotels, homestays, dhabas, taxi operators and other local entrepreneurs.

Officials noted that timely reopening of roads is extremely crucial for the local economy, especially in the tribal district where the tourism season remains limited due to prolonged winters and harsh geographical conditions.

Meanwhile, the District Disaster Management Authority has appealed to tourists, drivers and local residents to check daily weather updates and travel advisories issued by the district administration before beginning their journey.