Emergency Efforts Underway to Clear Roads and Ensure Tourists’ Safe Return

Manali: What started as a day of winter delight quickly turned into a nightmare for tourists on Friday evening, as heavy snowfall trapped over 1,500 vehicles between Solanganala and Palchan. Tourists who had been enjoying the fresh snow were caught off guard when a sudden increase in snowfall turned the roads into a perilous, icy surface, causing numerous vehicles to skid and resulting in severe traffic jams.

In response, the Manali Police, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) KD Sharma, swiftly initiated rescue operations. “The operation is ongoing. We are carefully removing vehicles one by one to ensure that the roads are cleared and accidents are avoided,” DSP Sharma stated, emphasizing the careful approach being taken to manage the situation.

The snowfall began in the Solanganala area around midday, attracting many tourists who reveled in the season’s first major snow. As the day turned to evening, the snowfall intensified, turning the roads dangerously slippery, and a frozen layer of snow made travel hazardous. Recognizing the worsening conditions, authorities closed the Atal Tunnel for traffic earlier in the day, citing safety concerns due to the heavy snow accumulation in the tunnel area. DSP Sharma remarked, “Had tourists been allowed to pass through the tunnel, the risk of accidents would have been far higher.”

By evening, vehicles heading back from Solanganala to Manali were slipping and getting stuck on the icy roads, leading to long queues of stranded cars. The Manali Police assured the public that all affected vehicles would be safely cleared, and steps were being taken to redirect them to safer routes.

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This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and hazardous nature of Himachal Pradesh’s winter weather. It underscores the importance of tourists remaining vigilant and well-prepared when visiting the region during snow season.