Shimla-Mandi road sinks in Sunni, closed for traffic

Traffic movement on the Shimla-Mandi road in Sunni of Shimla district has been completely disrupted after a big portion of it sank in the Sutlej. The road width has now reduced to 1.5 metres from 4.20 metres.

As per the district administration, the Shimla-Mandi road between RD 51/00 and 52/00 had been severely damaged due to soil erosion by the strong Sutlej waters, making it unsafe for vehicular movement. In view of public safety, the district administration had closed the road between the affected stretches for vehicular movement till further orders. The Thali bridge was also closed after suffering damage. Consequently, there is no alternative route available in Sunni.

Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh visited the affected area and instructed the officials concerned to expedite the restoration work and make the road available for light motor vehicles so that the local residents do not face inconvenience.

Meanwhile, heavy rain is set to continue in the state. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain till August 24 and a few spells of heavy to very heavy showers in isolated places. For tomorrow, a yellow warning of heavy rain in Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Una districts has also been issued.

Meanwhile, the state continued to receive heavy rain at isolated areas along with light to moderate showers at most places during the past 24 hours. Dhaula Kuan in Sirmaur district received the highest of 113 mm of rain, followed by Sangrah in Sirmaur (70 mm), Palampur (58.2 mm), Paonta Sahib (40.6 mm), Nahan (30.1 mm), Dharamsala (24.7 mm), Manali (23 mm), Bhuntar (22 mm), Kufri (13.4 mm), Shimla (10 mm), Chamba (8 mm) and Solan (5 mm).