Temple tourism takes a hit: Road to Masrur rock-cut temple caves in

A major road connecting Kangra Airport to the world-renowned Masrur rock-cut temple has collapsed, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and highlighting years of administrative neglect. The Salol-Kathla stretch, vital for locals and tourists alike, gave way after incessant rains, unchecked movement of heavy mining trucks and prolonged lack of maintenance.

The collapse occurred nearly 300 m before Kathla Mata Mandir, where an old protection wall crumbled, triggering landslides at two points. Officials, constrained by lack of funds and relentless rains, were unable to take preventive measures in time.

“This road is our lifeline. We raised concerns multiple times, but no one listened,” said Sanjiv, a local resident. “The condition of connecting roads is pathetic — walking on them is risky, let alone driving.”

Assistant Engineer Lanj, Anurag Chaudhary, confirmed that debris has been cleared for smaller vehicles, though he warned that continued rainfall could force a complete shutdown of the route.

The Sanaura-Salol road, also a key route for mining trucks ferrying material from Gaj Khud to Nagrota Surian, has now been shut to heavy vehicles. Locals say this traffic has worsened the damage and poses an everyday menace.

The closure is especially disruptive as the stretch provides critical access from Gaggal to Bhorwali, Kothdhu, Lanj and even Pong Lake. The breakdown has paralysed daily life and hampered tourist inflow to the historic Masrur temple.