Munish Sood
MANDI: After being closed for more than 36 hours due to multiple landslides, the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway was partially reopened for one-way traffic on Thursday (August 7, 2025) afternoon at 1 pm, bringing much-needed relief to hundreds of stranded commuters.
The highway had been shut down since Tuesday night around 1 am following heavy rainfall and slope collapses between Dawada and Jhalogi.
The worst-hit section was near the Dawada flyover, where massive boulders came crashing down, blocking the road entirely. At least four separate landslide points were reported on the route up to Jhalogi, leaving hundreds of vehicles stuck in both directions.
Local police units from Pandoh and Aut were immediately deployed to manage the situation, control traffic and prevent further chaos. By Wednesday evening, smaller landslide sites at 9 Mile and Jogni Mod were cleared. However, the main section between Dawada and Jhalogi remained blocked until Thursday.
Travel continues to be risky between Mandi and Aut
Despite the partial reopening, the stretch between Mandi and Aut remains treacherous, with loose rocks and wet soil making the area prone to further landslides.
Travellers, especially those passing between the Hanogi and Rains Nala tunnels, are advised to exercise extreme caution. Authorities have warned that the threat is far from over, especially with continued rainfall in the region.
Among those worst affected were families and tourists who had been stuck between tunnels for several hours without basic supplies. In response, the local administration and social service groups provided relief in the form of food packets, water bottles and biscuits, helping stranded passengers survive the long halt.
Heavy losses for truckers and local traders
The highway blockade had a severe economic impact on transporters and fruit and vegetable traders. Perishable goods in many trucks rotted during the delay, causing significant financial losses to traders from Kullu, Mandi and Bilaspur. Truck drivers also reported fuel shortages and a lack of basic facilities during the wait.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has stationed heavy machinery and monitoring teams along vulnerable slopes. But officials admit that a permanent solution is still far off.
“Landslide-prone zones need structural reinforcements. Until then, these disruptions will continue to haunt us every monsoon,” said a senior highway engineer posted near Aut.
