Sudden heavy snowfall since Monday afternoon disrupted traffic along the Atal Tunnel stretch in Manali, prompting large-scale rescue and snow clearance operations. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the BRO has deployed teams at the South Portal to restore movement and ensure safety.
Heavy snowfall has been disrupting traffic at the Atal Tunnel since Monday afternoon, prompting the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to begin snow clearance operations at the South Portal, news agency ANI reported on Tuesday.
ALSO READ | Transgender community stages pan-India protests over Bill on gender identity, urges govt to withdraw
BRO and police in action
Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Anurag Chand Sharma, told ANI, "Since yesterday afternoon, there has been heavy snowfall at Atal Tunnel in Manali and the upper reaches of the district, and since yesterday itself, BRO's operation is being enforced at the south portal of the tunnel."
Police personnel are also deployed to assist stranded commuters and manage traffic safely.
Fresh Snowfall and Weather Alerts in Himachal Pradesh
Police have been deployed in Manali and surrounding areas to ensure safety as the region was blanketed in fresh snow, covering houses and mountains. Higher reaches across the state also recorded significant snowfall, with Khadrala in Shimla district receiving 10.2 cm, Kalpa 6.4 cm, Gondhla and Jot around 3 cm each, and Kukumseri 1.5 cm. Thunderstorms and lightning were reported in several areas, including Shimla, Kufri, Jubberhatti, Kangra, and Sundernagar, while parts of Shimla district also experienced hailstorms.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a fresh western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India from the night of March 17, with its effects likely to be felt in Himachal Pradesh between March 18 and March 21. Authorities have issued an Orange Alert for March 18 and 19, warning of hailstorms and thunderstorms in districts including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Sirmaur.
ALSO READ | Buying eggs in UP? From April 1, unmarked eggs could be destroyed
Stranded tourists and drivers in Manali
Tourists and drivers were stranded for hours, with limited access to food and water. Taxi driver Dhanraj told PTI that 4x4 vehicles were used to evacuate tourists safely. Commuters like Amit shared that they set out from Manali when snowfall was light but were stranded after the intensity increased. Areas across Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, Kufri, Kangra and Sundernagar, also recorded heavy snow, hail, and thunderstorms.
“Some colleagues and I reached the Atal Tunnel to assist as we got the news of tourists being stranded,” said Dhanraj, a taxi driver, PTI reported.
He added that they have been evacuating tourists using 4x4 vehicles, and most of those stranded have now been safely moved from the area. Prem Lal, a stranded driver, told PTI, “(We are) stranded here since Saturday night and now gradually being moved towards Manali. There are no arrangements for food or drinking water."
As per a report of the Hindustan Times, a tourist mentioned that social organisations working in Sissu provided food for those stuck. “We set out from Manali towards Keylong on Saturday when the snowfall was light. But on return, the snowfall intensified significantly, and we have been stranded here since Sunday evening. But now vehicles are being evacuated from the area.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for March 18–19 in Himachal Pradesh, warning of hailstorms and thunderstorms. Snow clearance and rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities urging travellers to exercise caution.
