Drones Grounded at Snowy Rohtang as they Failed to Take off due Frequency Issues. Phones come to Rescue for TTR team to monitor tourist traffic in the high altitude snowy touristy Rohtang Pass.
ROHTANG PASS: In a scene more reminiscent of a comedy sketch than a high-tech triumph, the HP Traffic Tourist Railway Unit's drones, meant to monitor traffic on the lofty Rohtang Pass, fell short today—literally.
From PM Modi to CM Sukhu Drones are touted as new darlings of the politicians who bat them as handy tools and messengers of the remote region which can deliver medicines to people and spray pesticides for the farmers.
The Pass of Dead Bones is nothing less than a life-rejuvenator oasis for the heatwaves-hit tourists making a beeline for the mighty Pass to give a new push to their sweat-soaked bodies.
The snow at Rohtang Pass has become a Centre of attraction for tourists beating the heat of the plains.
From Manali to Beas Nala and Marhi, the highland road is nearly a traffic zone.
The 13,050-foot mighty Rohtang pass proved too much for the drones, which couldn't handle the altitude and had to be stashed back in their vehicle. 
ASP Narbir Rathour, who oversaw the operation, quipped, "The drones had big plans but didn’t get the memo about the altitude. It was like trying to fly a kite on the moon. Luckily, our mobile phones were up to the task!"
The Rohtang Pass, 13,050feet and around 51 km from Manali, sees a heavy influx of tourists trying to escape the sweltering heatwave plaguing the lowlands across metros in the country.
Today, despite the frequency hiccup, Rathour and his team resorted to old-school methods, capturing traffic footage with their phones.
“Tourists flocking here from the heatwave zones were in for a surprise when they saw our drones grounded. But we adapted quickly. The show must go on, even if it’s not the high-tech one we planned,” added policeman with a chuckle.
Despite the technological glitch, the officers managed to keep traffic moving smoothly. Tourists’ cars winded through the pass without any major jams or congestion, thanks to the keen eyes of police teams and their trusty smartphones.
Thousands of vehicles are reaching Rohtang top these days. But the issues of trash and junk remains problematic.
The villagers of Kothi Palchan, Burwa and Shanag and others operate their vendors at top making living by snow slippers and dresses and eatables catering to the tourists.
The Shimla Traffic Tourist Railway Unit remains committed to efficient traffic management on Rohtang Pass, proving that sometimes, the old ways work just fine when new tech stumbles.
Rathour signed off with a wry smile, “Who needs drones when you’ve got good old-fashioned elbow grease and a decent data plan?”
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