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Landslide Near Mandi Blocks Kiratpur–Manali Highway
Shimla, Updated At : 10:39 AM Aug 24, 2025 IST
Heavy rainfall on Sunday triggered landslides along the Kiratpur–Manali National Highway, bringing traffic to a standstill between Mandi and Kullu. The highway was blocked near Ropeway and Jogni Mata Temple in Mandi district.
As a result, hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the road. Continuous downpours since morning had weakened the mountain slopes, causing large amounts of debris to tumble onto the highway. Officials confirmed that multiple stretches of the road were blocked.
The alternative route via Katola in Kannauj was also cut off, halting all vehicular movement between Mandi and Kullu. The twin blockades led to severe traffic congestion, with long queues of buses, taxis, trucks, and private vehicles on either side.
Police issued an advisory urging commuters to avoid the Mandi–Kullu route until further notice. “We are closely monitoring the situation and request people not to undertake unnecessary travel on this stretch,” a police officer said.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed emergency teams, with JCB machines clearing debris to restore road connectivity. Authorities expressed confidence that the highway would be reopened soon.
Meanwhile, the simultaneous closure of the Katola–Kannauj link road has left travelers with no alternative route. Many passengers have been forced to wait by the roadside in inclement weather, as emergency services and local administration work to provide assistance to those affected.
