New Delhi: A picturesque winter wonderland has transformed into a logistical nightmare in Himachal Pradesh, as a fresh wave of heavy snowfall has stranded over 1,000 vehicles in Manali. The stunning snowfall, while delighting tourists in Shimla and Manali, has simultaneously brought travel to a standstill on major routes on Monday.
The heaviest snowfall of the season has caused widespread disruption, particularly between Solang Nala and the Atal Tunnel, where a traffic jam has trapped a large number of vehicles. Local authorities, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Station House Officer (SHO), have mobilised rescue teams to clear the affected roads.
More than 1000 vehicles got stuck in the jam from Solang Nala of Manali to Atal Tunnel. DSP Manali, SDM Manali and SHO Manali are present on the spot along with the police team, currently the police team is busy in clearing the jam. #HimachalPradesh #Manali #AtalTunnel #Traffic #TV9Card pic.twitter.com/2fvJzGJZTa
— TV9 Bharatvarsh (@TV9Bharatvarsh) December 23, 2024
As of the latest reports, approximately 700 vehicles have been successfully cleared, but hundreds more remain stranded amidst challenging conditions.
The influx of tourists seeking to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the snow-covered mountain landscapes has exacerbated the situation. Manali, a popular destination, has been overwhelmed by the sheer number of vehicles, leading to a complete blockage of traffic flow. The unexpected intensity of the snowfall on Monday evening, trapped motorists unprepared for such severe conditions.
The weather across many districts of Himachal Pradesh has remained exceptionally adverse, with heavy snowfall and rain significantly impacting travel throughout the state. The combination of heavy precipitation and challenging terrain has created perilous driving conditions, further hindering rescue efforts. Many trains have also been affected, with services halted due to snow accumulation on tracks. The authorities are working diligently to clear the roads and ensure the safe passage of stranded vehicles.
The snow has brought a boost in tourism, with hotels seeing an increase in bookings, but this positive impact is counterbalanced by the significant disruption caused by the unexpected intensity and volume of the snowfall. The rescue operations continue, with authorities trying to ensure the safe evacuation of all stranded individuals and vehicles.
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