Administration Provides Food to Stranded Travelers on Chandigarh–Manali NH

Mandi, August 22:
The Chandigarh–Manali National Highway has deteriorated severely between Pandoh and Aut, making travel extremely difficult. Dangerous stretches at Kaichi Mor, Dayod, Jogni Mata Temple, Dawara, Rainsnala, Jhalogi, and Shani Temple have turned the highway into a treacherous route, even during daylight hours. This road remains the only lifeline connecting to Kullu district.

Meanwhile, the Mandi–Kullu via Kataula road has also sunk near Kannauj, further disrupting traffic. As a result, heavy congestion has become a daily ordeal on the national highway from Pandoh to Aut. Vehicles are being escorted through these danger spots with extreme caution.

The prolonged jams have left travelers struggling for food and water. While some manage during the day by purchasing supplies from roadside shops, nights pose a serious problem with nothing available. To address this, the Mandi administration stepped in, supplying rations to the Baba Balak Nath Temple Committee, Pandoh, whose volunteers have been distributing meals through the night to stranded passengers.

Committee President Deepak Saini said the administration entrusted them with this humanitarian task, and members are working with full dedication to ensure no one remains hungry. He added that the arrangement would continue until the situation normalizes.

Stranded commuters expressed gratitude for the support. Travelers Arpit and Satish Pal said they had been stuck since morning and were forced to spend the night on the highway, but the administration’s food relief was a welcome step.

This is not the first time the Mandi administration and the Baba Balak Nath Temple Committee have extended such service. During the 2023 disaster, they provided free meals daily to stranded travelers for 22 consecutive days, from morning until midnight. The same spirit of public service is once again visible.