Vehicles stranded as key highways blocked amid landslides in Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti districts

Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has triggered multiple landslides across Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti districts, severely affecting road connectivity and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway (NH-3) has been blocked at several locations between Mandi and Aut, cutting off road access between Mandi and Kullu. The highway was first blocked yesterday afternoon, and fresh landslides were reported last night, worsening the situation. As a result, a large number of vehicles, including passenger buses, tourist vehicles, and trucks, are stuck on both sides of the blockage, particularly in Mandi and Kullu.

Additionally, the Mandi-Pathankot Highway (NH-154) is also closed between Mandi and Jogindernagar, following a landslide near Lavandi Bridge. Traffic on this route has come to a complete standstill, disrupting connectivity between Mandi and Jogindernagar and increasing pressure on alternative, often narrow, rural roads.

In Lahaul-Spiti district, the Sansari–Killar–Thirot–Tandi road has also been affected. A massive rockfall at Nili Dhank has blocked the route, halting all vehicular movement. This road is crucial for connecting the remote areas of Pangi and Lahaul valleys. Its closure has left several local residents and travellers stranded.

Authorities have confirmed that restoration work is underway at all affected locations, but continuous rainfall and the risk of further landslides are hampering efforts. The district administrations of Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti have issued advisories urging people to avoid non-essential travel in the affected areas.

Emergency services and local police have been deployed to manage traffic and assist stranded commuters.

The administration has assured the public that normal traffic is expected to resume once the weather conditions improve and the debris is cleared.