Traffic on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway came to a complete halt on Wednesday evening after fresh landslides hit Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district. Officials said the highway is blocked at multiple locations, including the 4-mile and 9-mile marks, Kainchi Mod, and Dwara.
Light motor vehicles are being diverted through the Kamand bypass to ease the situation. This disruption comes just days after earlier landslides had already caused major traffic issues on the same route.
A major landslide also struck the Hatkoti-Paonta Sahib stretch of National Highway 707 near Shillai town in Sirmaur district on Wednesday. A huge portion of a hillside collapsed, blocking the road completely. Restoration work started soon after, but falling debris continued to hinder the clearance efforts, officials said.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), a total of 258 roads across Himachal Pradesh were closed on Wednesday due to landslides and rain-related damage.
The SEOC report said that out of the 258 closed roads, the maximum—140—are in Mandi district, followed by 55 in Sirmaur and 35 in Kullu. This includes several major highways and link roads that connect important towns.
The heavy rains have also affected 171 water-supply schemes and damaged 151 power distribution transformers, causing electricity and water disruptions in multiple areas. The authorities are working to restore essential services, but the continuing rainfall is slowing progress.
Earlier this week, the same highway faced closures on multiple occasions. On Monday, traffic on the Mandi-Kullu stretch was disrupted after a landslide near the 4-mile mark. Before that, a landslide on Saturday blocked the route for more than 24 hours, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.
These frequent blockages are creating serious travel issues for locals and tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh during the monsoon season. Officials have advised travelers to check road conditions before planning their journey to the hills.
Light to moderate rain was recorded across Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Some areas received significant rainfall, with Koti and Jaton Barrage on the Giri river getting 40mm each, Sarahan 40mm, Dadahu 30mm, Nahan 21.3mm, Manali 17mm, and Narkanda 15mm.
The meteorological department has issued an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rains in isolated parts of the state on July 21 and 22. A yellow warning for heavy rain is in place for seven out of 12 districts till July 20. These warnings indicate the likelihood of more landslides and road blockages in the coming days.
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Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in the affected areas. Tourists heading to popular destinations like Manali and Shimla are advised to follow official updates and take safer alternate routes wherever possible.
Rescue and road clearance teams are on high alert, but continuous rainfall makes the situation unpredictable. Emergency helpline numbers have been activated for travelers needing assistance.
Fresh landslides blocked Chandigarh-Manali highway in Mandi district on Wednesday evening.
NH-707 near Shillai town in Sirmaur district also blocked by a major landslide.
258 roads closed across the state; Mandi worst affected with 140 closures.
171 water schemes and 151 power transformers impacted due to heavy rain.
Orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain on July 21-22; yellow alert till July 20.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable to rain-triggered landslides during the monsoon season.
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