The Newz Radar
MANALI: In a significant development bringing relief to both locals and tourists, two-way traffic has been restored on the world’s highest Manali-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh road at a height of 14,500 feet.
Beginning Monday, the road, which was previously restricted to one-way traffic under the odd-even date formula, will now allow vehicles to move in both directions.
The new arrangement will see vehicles from the Manali side being released from Darcha between 6 am and 9 am, while vehicles from the Himachal border at Sarchu will be released from 12 noon to 3 pm. This change comes as a relief to those who have been inconvenienced by the limited movement options on this challenging route.
The decision to restore two-way traffic comes after a prolonged period during which heavy snowfall had rendered the road impassable. Just 10 days ago, a daring rescue operation was carried out to save 76 stranded persons. More recently, fresh snow resulted in hundreds of vehicles getting stuck and launch of another operation leading to the rescue of 250 persons.
While vehicles will now ply on both sides of the road, the timetable has been set with caution, subject to suitable conditions. Authorities are keen to prioritise the safety of both tourists and locals, especially considering the unpredictable nature of the weather, which can quickly deteriorate.
Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar said the Darcha-Sarchu-Leh road would be fully opened for two-way traffic on Monday. To ensure the safety of travellers, police personnel will conduct regular patrolling between Surajtal and Bharatpur, maintaining constant communication through wireless devices.
The authorities have advised the use of only 4X4 vehicles with two tyres covered in chains to negotiate snow. Travellers have been advised not to spend too much time at Surajtal and Baralacha sides due to potential weather changes. Efforts were underway to widen the narrow ice-cutting sections on the road from Keylong to Surajtal to further improve the suitability for two-way traffic, said an official.
