Munish Sood
MANDI:
The ongoing winter tourism season in Manali has witnessed an unprecedented surge of visitors, bringing both economic gains and serious traffic management challenges to the region. Heavy tourist inflow during peak snowfall weeks has led to frequent and prolonged traffic jams, particularly on the stretch between Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel (Rohtang), causing inconvenience to local residents, emergency services, and daily commuters.
According to official assessments, Manali has recorded a 30 to 40 per cent increase in tourist footfall this winter compared to last year. During peak weekends and holiday periods, the Atal Tunnel has seen over 20,000 vehicles passing through in a single day, a number far exceeding the road’s handling capacity under snowy and icy conditions. The rush has been driven by consistent snowfall, extended holiday breaks and Manali’s growing popularity as a winter destination.
The heavy congestion has resulted in several kilometres long traffic jams, sometimes lasting many hours. Locals have reported delays in medical emergencies, essential supply movement, and routine travel, while tourists have faced prolonged waiting times in sub-zero temperatures.
Taking serious note of the situation, Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana has directed senior police officials from Lahaul-Spiti and Manali to work in close coordination to streamline traffic movement. An emphasis has been placed on ensuring uninterrupted passage for emergency vehicles and local commuters, even during peak tourist hours.
To improve on-ground conditions, round-the-clock police patrolling has been initiated along the entire Solang-Atal Tunnel route. Strict enforcement of traffic rules is being carried out and tourists violating lane discipline, parking norms or speed regulations are being penalised on the spot. Authorities have also raised concerns over increasing accidents inside the Atal Tunnel, largely due to overspeeding and careless driving on slippery surfaces.
In response, instructions have been issued to strengthen safety barriers, signage, and traffic control systems inside and near the tunnel, while police personnel remain on high alert to respond swiftly to any untoward incidents.
While winter tourism continues to boost Manali’s economy, benefiting hoteliers, transport operators, adventure sports providers and local businesses, the situation has highlighted the urgent need for responsible tourism. The administration has appealed to visitors to strictly follow traffic advisories, avoid unnecessary halts on narrow stretches, and cooperate with law-enforcement agencies.
MLA Anuradha Rana has emphasised that sustainable traffic management is not possible through enforcement alone and requires active cooperation from tourists and the general public. She expressed hope that collective responsibility and adherence to rules would help preserve Manali’s reputation as a safe, accessible, and enjoyable winter destination.
