Heavy Snowfall : Paralyzes Manali, Tourists Stranded as Roads and Services Collapse
Heavy Snowfall: Heavy snowfall has brought life in Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, to a complete standstill, disrupting travel plans during the Republic Day long weekend and creating severe inconvenience for tourists and local residents alike. What was expected to be a scenic winter retreat quickly turned into a challenging and risky situation as roads were blocked, basic services failed, and hundreds of travelers were left stranded in freezing conditions.
Severe Impact on Daily Life and Essential Services
The intense snowstorm led to widespread disruption of power and water supply across several parts of Manali and nearby regions. Due to safety concerns and weather conditions, all educational institutions in the Banjar and Manali sub-divisions were ordered to remain closed. Residents reported prolonged electricity outages, making it difficult to cope with the extreme cold, especially in higher-altitude areas.
Tourists Stranded on Key Road Stretches
According to official sources, more than 600 tourists were stranded along the Patlikul–Manali stretch, which spans nearly 15 kilometers. Continuous snowfall and road blockages forced many travelers to spend the night inside their vehicles without adequate food, heating, or shelter. Several families, including children and elderly tourists, were reportedly stuck for hours amid plummeting temperatures.
Traffic Congestion Across Manali Town
Traffic congestion was reported at multiple critical locations, including the police station area, Volvo bus stand, Rangri, Tibetan School, Aloo Ground, and the 17 Mile zone. Snow accumulation exceeding two feet in several areas turned roads into icy hazards. Vehicles skidded uncontrollably on slippery surfaces, resulting in minor collisions and damage as traffic piled up on narrow and steep stretches.
Emergency Response and Relief Measures
The district administration deployed multiple relief teams to assist stranded tourists and residents. Food packets and drinking water were distributed at vulnerable points, while efforts were made to guide vehicles safely through partially cleared routes. Despite these measures, the scale of disruption remained significant due to continuous snowfall and limited accessibility.
Medical Emergency Highlights Human Cost
In a tragic incident highlighting the severity of the situation, an ambulance carrying a heart patient was stuck near Rangri for nearly four hours while attempting to travel from Manali to Mandi. Due to delayed medical assistance caused by traffic congestion and blocked roads, the patient did not survive. The incident has raised serious concerns about emergency preparedness during extreme weather events.
Gradual Restoration of Road Connectivity
Relief operations were intensified by Sunday morning, with snow clearance work carried out on national highways and internal roads. The left-bank road and most internal roads within Manali town were reopened for vehicular movement. Authorities expressed optimism that traffic movement would normalize soon, allowing stranded tourists to move ahead safely.
Tourism Takes a Hit Despite Peak Winter Season
Despite peak winter conditions ideal for snowfall tourism, hotels in Manali reported relatively low occupancy rates of around 55 to 60 percent. Many visitors were unable to reach the destination due to road closures, while others canceled or postponed their travel plans amid safety concerns.
Local Rescue Efforts in Remote Areas
In the Raghupurgarh–Sojha area of Banjar sub-division, around a dozen tourists stranded in remote locations were safely rescued with the help of local residents. Six locals managed to reach the stranded group and escort them towards safer areas such as Sojha and Jibhi, showcasing community support during the crisis.
Statewide Disruption Due to Snowfall
As per the State Disaster Management Authority bulletin, approximately 683 roads across Himachal Pradesh were blocked, including major national highways such as NH-03 (Koksar–Darcha) and NH-505 (Gramphu–Batal). In Lahaul-Spiti district alone, 290 roads were rendered inaccessible, and the Manali–Lahaul route via the Atal Tunnel remained closed.
Power Infrastructure Under Stress
Heavy snowfall also affected electricity infrastructure across the state. Out of 4,797 affected transformers, the highest number was reported in Solan, followed by Mandi, Kulu, Chamba, and Sirmour districts. Restoration work is ongoing, but access challenges continue to slow progress.
Government Response and Ongoing Clearance Operations
The Public Works Department confirmed that heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclain machines, has been deployed extensively for snow clearance. Authorities stated that higher reaches received up to three feet of snow, while high-altitude areas recorded nearly four feet, making road clearance a time-consuming and complex operation.