Heavy Snowfall Brings Traffic Chaos to Kullu-Manali
A severe winter storm has disrupted travel in Himachal Pradesh, with the Kullu-Manali region bearing the brunt. As the snowfall intensified, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported hundreds of blocked roads and power outages, turning a popular hill retreat into a crisis zone for tourists and locals alike.
The SDMA’s latest update indicates that as of Saturday, 683 roads were blocked across the state, including two National Highways. Officials say the storms have isolated several towns and hamlets, halting public and private transport and complicating relief operations. While the snowfall ended a prolonged dry spell for many residents, the sudden heavy accumulation over steep terrain has created dangerous travel conditions and increasing risk of avalanche in vulnerable stretches.
Power supply has been disrupted in several pockets of the hill region, compounding the difficulties faced by travelers and residents who are already coping with cold temperatures and shifting weather patterns. Local authorities have been coordinating with power utilities to restore electricity as quickly as possible, prioritizing essential services and healthcare centers in remote areas.
Impact on Tourists and Local Communities
Tourists in popular destinations such as Manali, Rohtang Pass, and surrounding routes are among those affected most by road closures. Many visitors find themselves stranded in tourist hubs, unable to proceed with planned itineraries or return to their base camps. Local hoteliers and shopkeepers report an uptick in cancellations and missed bookings, yet they are also mobilizing to provide shelter, warm meals, and basic relief supplies to those unable to leave their accommodations.
Rescue teams, police, and disaster response units have been stepped up in high-risk corridors. Snow clearance operations using heavy machinery and manual snow removal are underway on blocked routes, with alternative routes being evaluated to ensure critical access for ambulances and emergency services. Authorities emphasize patience and caution for travelers attempting to navigate hoarfrost-laden roads and sudden weather changes.
What Travelers Should Do Now
If you are currently in the Kullu-Manali corridor, monitor official briefings from the SDMA and local district administrations. Keep devices charged and conserve power, as electricity restoration may take time in some locations. Do not venture onto suspect roads or passes without verified clearance from local authorities, especially where avalanche warnings or ice conditions exist.
Practical tips for stranded travelers include staying with assigned accommodations if possible, using hotel staff as information hubs, and coordinating with travel insurance providers for potential coverage related to trip disruptions. In case of medical needs, contact local emergency numbers and seek nearby clinics or hospitals that are reachable by road during daylight hours. For those planning future trips to Himachal, it is wise to check road status updates and weather advisories before departure, especially during winter months.
Authorities’ Next Steps
Officials say the immediate focus is restoring power and progressively reopening key corridors. Once routes reopen, traffic management and safety checks will be intensified to prevent further incidents. Meteorologists warn that while the most intense snowfall may ebb in the next 24 to 48 hours, cold snaps and intermittent snowfall could continue, requiring ongoing caution for travelers and residents alike.
With the winter season bringing both scenic beauty and travel hazards, the Himachal administration is urging visitors and residents to stay informed, prepared, and patient as teams work to clear roads, restore electricity, and ensure public safety in the Kullu-Manali belt.
