Kiratpur-Manali Highway Reopens for Light Vehicles After Fresh Landslide

Mandi: The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway (NH-3), a lifeline connecting major tourist and commercial hubs such as Mandi, Kullu, and Manali, was blocked once again on Saturday morning after a massive landslide struck the Khotinalla area of Mandi district. The road, which had only recently been reopened after a four-day closure, remained shut for several hours before being restored for light vehicle traffic later in the evening.

The landslide brought down large boulders and debris, making the road impassable. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) immediately deployed heavy machinery and laborers to clear the route. Officials cautioned that if rain continues, the highway may have to be closed again, as the threat of further landslides remains high.

Traffic disruption left hundreds of vehicles, including those carrying tourists and goods, stranded for much of the day. Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma confirmed the reopening for light traffic but warned that the situation remains unstable due to unpredictable weather.

In Kullu district, connectivity between Kullu and Manali was restored after five days via the left bank road through Aleo. Beyond the Atal Tunnel, the Manali-Leh highway has also reopened, though efforts are still underway to restore the stretch between Manali and the tunnel.

Flash Flood Wreaks Havoc in Katwadi Village

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a sudden flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall devastated Katwadi village under Nandi Panchayat in Mandi district’s Gohar subdivision late Friday night. The floodwaters caused extensive damage to local infrastructure, washing away the area’s only stone-cutting industry, several shops, and even sweeping away a parked car. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported as residents managed to escape in time.

The deluge was caused by a sudden surge in the Naseni rivulet, which caught villagers off guard as water levels rose rapidly. Panchayat Pradhan Fata Ram said that relief operations are underway, with local administration teams already on-site to assess damages and coordinate rescue measures.

Authorities have urged both residents and travelers to follow only official updates for information. With continuous natural disasters striking the region, the district administration remains on high alert and has assured preparedness to deal with emergencies.

Given the unpredictable weather, locals and tourists have been advised to remain cautious, particularly in landslide- and flood-prone zones.