Himachal Pradesh is facing severe disruption in road connectivity after heavy snowfall blocked 655 roads across the state. The latest figures from the State Emergency Operation Centre show that major highways and local roads remain closed, affecting travel and daily life in many districts. Officials have warned residents and travellers to stay cautious as another spell of snow and rain is expected from January 31.
Among the blocked roads, 287 are in Lahaul and Spiti, including NH 03 (Leh-Manali) and NH 505 (Kaza-Gramphu). In Shimla, 135 roads remain impassable, while 81 roads in Kullu, including NH 305 (Aut-Luhri-Sainj), are closed. Mandi has 77 blocked roads, Chamba 40, and Kinnaur 27. Smaller districts such as Sirmour and Una each have three roads closed, and Kangra has two. The persistent snowfall has created difficulties in commuting and transporting goods, especially in high-altitude areas.
The snowfall has also caused disruption in electricity supply. A total of 669 transformers are non-functional across the state, leaving thousands of households without power. Kullu has the highest number of disrupted transformers at 216, followed by Shimla with 214. Chamba has 104, Mandi 94, Lahaul and Spiti 22, Sirmour 13, and Kinnaur six. Authorities are working to restore electricity, but ongoing snowfall and difficult terrain are delaying repairs.
While heavy snow has affected lower and mid-hill regions, light snowfall and rain were reported in higher reaches such as Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti. The rest of the state experienced mostly clear weather, providing some relief to residents and travellers. Authorities have advised motorists to avoid non-essential travel and follow safety instructions on blocked highways.
The MeT department has forecasted light snowfall and rain in higher hills on January 30. A more severe weather system is expected from January 31 to February 3, with a ‘yellow’ alert issued for heavy snow and rain on February 1. Residents in vulnerable areas are being warned to take precautions against snow-related accidents and power outages.
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In addition to snowfall, dense fog and cold wave conditions are expected in lower hills, including districts such as Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmour. Authorities have issued a ‘yellow’ alert for January 30 to warn people of poor visibility on roads and extremely low temperatures. Residents have been advised to keep warm and avoid unnecessary travel during the cold wave and fog conditions.
Road clearance teams and disaster response authorities are actively working to reopen the blocked roads and ensure that stranded travellers and villagers receive essential supplies. Emergency services have been put on high alert, and vehicles carrying essential goods such as food, milk, and medicines are being prioritised for movement on cleared roads.
Officials have reminded travellers that NH 03 and NH 505 remain risky, and drivers should carry chains, warm clothing, and emergency kits while travelling. They have also requested villagers and residents in high-altitude areas to avoid venturing onto snow-covered roads and mountain trails until conditions improve.
The repeated spells of snowfall in Himachal Pradesh highlight the challenges faced by the state in maintaining road connectivity and power supply during winter. Authorities are urging cooperation from the public and reminding residents to follow weather updates and official advisories.
As the new spell of heavy snowfall approaches from January 31, the state government and disaster management teams are preparing additional measures to clear snow, restore electricity, and provide emergency relief. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts, avoid unnecessary travel, and take safety precautions during the upcoming cold wave and snowfall.
Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous terrain, while scenic, makes it vulnerable to such weather events every winter. Heavy snow can block highways, damage electricity networks, and disrupt essential services, affecting the lives of thousands. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are coordinating with district administrations to minimise inconvenience and maintain safety during the snow season.
With the forecast predicting several days of heavy snow and rain, travellers, commuters, and residents are being warned to remain vigilant and follow official advisories. The state’s disaster management machinery is on alert to tackle power outages, road blockages, and emergency situations caused by the ongoing winter spell.
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