Chandigarh-Manali Highway: Traffic to Remain Suspended Daily for Two Hours Between Mandi, Pandoh for Three Days
Mandi, February 21 — Commuters on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway will face another temporary break in the flow of traffic due to the construction works. Now in a new announcement by local authorities traffic will be stopped for two hours daily between Mandi and Pandoh in connection with the ongoing work for converting the existing highway into a four-lane. The closure will occur between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM on February 22, 24 and 26.
The decision was taken after the Project Director of National Highway PIU Mandi requested the district administration to impose temporary traffic closure. Their closure is important as cutting and blasting are in progress on a vital stretch of the highway between Nerchowk and Pandoh, covering a distance of approximately 4 to 5 miles.
Why the Temporary Closure?
To accommodate the “growing commercial and tourist traffic” between Mandi and Manali, the existing two-lane road will be developed into a four-lane highway as part of this construction project. Cutting and blasting is a key step in the production process, especially in mountainous conditions, as it is used to clear rock to widen the road. But if the operations are carried out on-road, they can endanger the safety of motorists and pedestrians, they said.
In view of safety and public interest, the decision was taken by the Deputy Commissioner and the Chairman of District Disaster Management Authority, Apoorv Devgan. The project will require extensive operations that are hazardous — especially rockslides or debris from blasting.
Devgan further said, “For the safety of commuters continuing traffic closure on the road during the peak hours of traffic is inevitable. We are advising all drivers and visitors to use caution while traveling through the impacted stretch of the highway.”
The Traffic Closure Timings
To reduce the inconvenience, the closures will only take place from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, over three days: two hours on February 22, 24, and 26. The timings have been chosen to be during relatively lower traffic periods. As such, no vehicle will be allowed to move on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway between Mandi and Pandoh during this time. Delays are anticipated as the road will continue to be closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the blasting and cutting work out here, at least until it can be opened up at the end of the day.
Alternative Routes Available for Light Vehicles
The route has been closed most affected will be regular commuters and small vehicles who often travel between Mandi to Manali via this road. Additional Superintendent of Police Sagar Chandra also advised drivers of smaller vehicles to take alternative routes in the two-hour closure time. The drivers can take the Gohar-Chailchowk or Kataula-Bajaura connecting roads, both of which are used as alternative routes of the damaged stretch of the highway.
One of the recognised alternative routes is the Gohar-Chailchowk, which diverts travellers through the Gohar town to get away from the Mandi-Pandoh stretch. Likewise, the Kataula-Bajaura road will serve as a diversion for vehicles wanting to bypass the construction area.
These are safe and accessible alternatives that, while adding a marginally longer journey, will take you around the construction work.
Impact on Larger Vehicles
Bigger cars such as trucks and buses which cannot use the alternative routes because of their size will be compelled to wait at the waiting area on the side of the highway. There will be some specific points for which these vehicles will temporarily stop while the highway remains closed, and they will eventually continue their way after the construction work is finished and the highway reopens.
Public Awareness and Safety Measures
Authorities at local levels have also taken additional measures to facilitate the temporary closures as part of Operation Choke Point. Devgan has asked the construction company to limit their work to a specified time to avoid disturbing Raja Rao and also have the required safety measures in place. Traffic control devices will also be put in place.
At the same time, key road sections are escorted by traffic marshals and law enforcement personnel to ensure that the vehicle queue and diversion points and waiting area vehicles are orderly and organized.
Encouragement for Caution
Devgan also addressed tourists and drivers in his public appeal and called on them also to be vigilant and be careful when they are travelling through the construction site as the road reopens. He added that, in spite of mandatory shutdowns, safety measures would still be in place but that individual caution is always advised to avoid incidents in a high-strike construction zone.
These temporary multihour stoppages on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway may temporarily inconvenience travelers, but these are crucial elements for systemic road infrastructure improvement. The two-hour shutdowns, which will occur on February 22, 24, and 26, are to facilitate vital blasting, cutting, and other work needed for the four-lane widening of the highway.
Drivers can ensure their own safety by following the recommended detours and exercising caution while work is being done. “Local authorities are fully committed to focusing on finalizing the project as quickly and safely as possible to enhance the traffic experience on this important highway.
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