Kiratpur–Manali Highway Reopens After Four Days, Bringing Relief to Travelers

After four days of closure due to heavy rain and subsequent landslides, the Kiratpur–Manali National Highway has finally reopened between Mandi and Kullu, offering major relief to commuters and local residents. The crucial stretch of road had been blocked since Sunday at multiple points—including Jhalogi, Dwada, Banala, Aut, and nearby areas—leaving over 2,000 vehicles stranded on both sides.

The continuous downpour on Sunday and Monday triggered repeated landslides, leaving the highway buried under debris and complicating restoration work. Persistent landslides and poor weather conditions hampered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in its efforts to clear the route. However, with an improvement in the weather today, NHAI swiftly mobilized workforce and machinery to clear the highway.

By late afternoon, the road was partially restored, allowing stranded vehicles to move.

Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma told The Tribune that more than 1,800 vehicles had already been evacuated. “Efforts are underway to clear the remaining vehicles, and we expect traffic to resume fully by around 8 p.m. Some damaged stretches are currently open to only one-way traffic, with police personnel regulating movement,” she said, adding that she is personally monitoring the situation on the ground.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Gursimar Singh also inspected the affected highway sections and directed NHAI officials to expedite the restoration process.

The reopening of the highway has come as a relief not only to travelers but also to apple growers in Kullu district. The blockade had left harvested apples stranded in orchards and packing houses, raising concerns over spoilage. With transport routes now operational, apple consignments can reach distant markets again, helping farmers avoid losses during the peak harvest season.

Authorities have urged travelers to exercise caution while driving through landslide-prone areas, as some sections of the road remain fragile. Repair work is ongoing, and full two-way traffic is expected to resume once all stretches are stabilized.