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Kullu Man Loses Mother After Highway Collapse Delays Access to Medical Care
Shimla, Updated At : 17:14 PM Aug 28, 2025 IST
A heart-wrenching incident has highlighted the grave consequences of the ongoing blockages on the Kiratpur–Manali National Highway. A man from Kullu district lost his ailing mother after he was unable to get her to a hospital in time due to landslides, damaged roads, and massive traffic congestion.
According to Naresh Pandit, a resident of Thatibid village in Banjar subdivision of Kullu, his mother’s condition deteriorated late Wednesday night, requiring urgent medical attention. She was initially referred to the Regional Hospital in Kullu, but heavy traffic and repeated landslide-induced blockages made it impossible for them to reach.
With no other option, Naresh decided to take her to the Regional Hospital in Mandi, which offers better medical facilities. However, the journey also proved nearly impossible as key stretches of the Kiratpur–Manali highway between Mandi and Manali were severely damaged and remained obstructed, leading to long delays.
Desperate for help, Naresh contacted Banjar MLA Surender Shourie, who intervened and directed the SDM at Balichowki to act swiftly. Local police eventually arranged for an escort vehicle to help clear the way and speed up the journey. Tragically, despite these efforts, the delay proved fatal. By the time Naresh and his mother reached Mandi Regional Hospital, she had passed away.
Devastated, Naresh had to return to his ancestral village with his mother’s body for the last rites.
This tragedy underscores the worsening humanitarian situation caused by prolonged disruptions on the Kiratpur–Manali highway and adjoining routes. Patients from Kullu and Lahaul–Spiti are often referred to Mandi’s regional hospital or medical college for critical treatment. But with the highway in its current state, timely access to these facilities has become nearly impossible—raising urgent concerns about public safety, healthcare accessibility, and disaster preparedness in the region.
Residents and local representatives have called on the state government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite repairs and clearance work to prevent further tragedies.
