Nighttime closures for highway construction

Mandi District Magistrate and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, Apoorv Devgan, has ordered temporary nighttime closures on the Nerchowk-Pandoh four-lane national highway near Char Mile. These closures will continue until June 10 to support critical construction activities and ensure public safety.

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The road will be closed in two intervals each night—first from 12.30 am to 2.30 am for debris removal and again from 5 am to 7 am for hill-cutting operations. These works are essential for progressing the highway expansion and minimising hazards such as falling debris or unstable terrain.

Devgan emphasised that the timing was carefully chosen during low-traffic hours to minimise inconvenience while maximising construction efficiency. He reassured the public that the measures are temporary and necessary for the long-term safety and benefits of the project.

Authorities have urged commuters to use alternative routes during the closure hours. Public announcements and alerts are being made across various platforms to ensure that local residents are well-informed.

The Nerchowk-Pandoh highway upgrade is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and promote economic development. However, due to the scale of the work, strict safety protocols must be enforced to avoid any accidents.