Himachal Pradesh News
Fresh Snowfall Disrupts Life in Himachal Pradesh : Upper Shimla Cut Off, 93 Roads Blocked, Schools Shut in Lahaul-Spiti
Fresh snowfall across Himachal Pradesh has once again thrown normal life out of gear, disrupting road connectivity, power supply, and daily movement in several districts. Heavy snow in the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu and Shimla districts has led to road closures, suspension of traffic and precautionary shutdown of educational institutions.
Fresh snowfall across Himachal Pradesh has once again thrown normal life out of gear, disrupting road connectivity, power supply, and daily movement in several districts. Heavy snow in the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu and Shimla districts has led to road closures, suspension of traffic and precautionary shutdown of educational institutions.
Authorities confirmed that 93 roads in Upper Shimla are currently blocked, severely affecting vehicular movement, while schools and colleges in snow-bound Lahaul-Spiti have been ordered shut for safety reasons.
Upper Shimla connectivity hit
Popular tourist destinations Kufri and Narkanda witnessed heavy snowfall, forcing the administration to close the Shimla–Rampur National Highway (NH-05) near Kufri on Tuesday afternoon. The highway had only recently reopened after last week’s snowfall, but fresh accumulation has once again halted traffic.
The closure has impacted connectivity to remote villages and apple-growing regions, causing inconvenience to residents and traders alike. Road restoration teams have been deployed, but continuous snowfall is slowing operations.
Similarly, snowfall in the Chaupal region has led to the closure of the Chaupal–Deha–Shimla road due to slippery conditions. Traffic has been suspended as a precaution, disrupting daily life and essential travel for villagers.
Lahaul-Spiti worst affected
The situation remains most severe in Lahaul-Spiti, where persistent heavy snowfall has nearly paralysed normal life. Several link roads are closed and many villages remain cut off.
Keeping safety in mind, the district administration has ordered the closure of schools, colleges, ITIs, polytechnics and Anganwadi centres until January 28. Educational institutions in Kullu, Banjar and Manali will also remain closed for the day.
Power and communication services have been hit in several parts of the valley. Teams from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the Public Works Department (PWD) are engaged in snow clearance, though restoration efforts are being hampered by continuous snowfall.
Snow in Kinnaur and Kullu
Light to moderate snowfall has also been reported from Kalpa, Sangla and other areas of Kinnaur, while Manali and higher reaches of Kullu are experiencing inclement weather. Traffic on several rural roads remains disrupted.
Weather warning issued
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has warned of heavy snowfall, rainfall and strong winds in higher areas. Wind speeds of 40–60 kmph, along with cold wave and dense fog conditions, are expected over the coming days.
Officials said while the weather may temporarily improve on January 29, another Western Disturbance between January 30 and February 2 could bring fresh rain and snowfall, worsening conditions again.
Advisory for residents and tourists
After working hard to restore roads and power following last week’s snowfall, authorities now face renewed challenges. Relief and restoration operations have been slowed as many routes remain blocked.
The administration has urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to high-altitude and snow-affected areas and strictly follow safety advisories.
With repeated spells of snowfall, winter continues to test both infrastructure and resilience in the hill state.
