The Newz Radar
Mandi – The joy of the Christmas season turned into a frustrating ordeal for many as a protracted traffic jam brought the Chandigarh-Manali national highway to a standstill near Pandoh Dam on Saturday. The congestion, which lasted for an agonizing seven hours, left both tourists and local residents stranded and exasperated.
The root cause of the traffic nightmare was identified as a bottleneck on the alternative road route to Pandoh Dam. This critical juncture witnessed a surge in traffic, leading to a gridlock that extended up to 7 kilometers on both sides of the highway. The situation was exacerbated by the influx of Christmas and New Year travelers, resulting in heightened noise levels from tourist vehicles and Volvo buses.
The alternative road, particularly challenging for larger vehicles like Volvo buses, experienced a significant increase in traffic volume, contributing to the prolonged congestion. Reports indicate that overtaking on the road played a substantial role in aggravating the situation.
The ordeal prompted a swift response from law enforcement, with both Pandoh and Sadar police teams working in tandem to alleviate the traffic chaos. Their concerted efforts bore fruit, and normal traffic flow was successfully restored by 4 PM. The active involvement of the police became indispensable in managing the challenging circumstances.
The traffic backlog, stretching approximately 7 kilometers from Pandoh Dam to the Army camp along the alternative route, caused a significant disruption in the normal flow of vehicles. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in managing holiday traffic, especially in popular tourist destinations. As the Christmas and New Year travel season continues, authorities are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing potential traffic bottlenecks to ensure a smoother experience for both locals and visitors alike.
