Heavy Snowfall Wreaks Havoc in Himachal and Kashmir, Roads Closed, thousands Stranded... one dead in Shimla area.
SHIMLA/MANALI/SRINAGAR: Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir have been gripped by spells of heavy snowfall, leading to road closures and leaving thousands of vehicles stranded on Shimla -Narkanda route, Chopal- Deha and Kotkhai -Kharapathar for hours.
Later in the day, the roads were opened for traffic but the road conditions are slippery, rued the stranded passengers.
But Chopal Deha road remained closed between Khirki -Charki and Riuni due to two feet of snow.
The situation has turned critical, with stranded passengers taking to social media to highlight their plight and seek government intervention.
Himachal Pradesh: Snow-Covered Roads and Stranded Travelers
Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has rendered several highways and link roads impassable, trapping over 1,500 vehicles.
In the Shimla district, the Kufri-Narkanda road was closed last night, with reports of one fatality due to extreme weather. Similarly, the Kharapathar section on the Kothkhai-Rohru highway was blocked, but was restored in day time on December 28.
The Rohru-Sungri-Rampur road remained closed at Sungri due to snow.
In Kullu and Manali, Hundreds of vehicles are stranded on the Manali-Solang ski route as icy, slippery roads prevent any movement. Manali-Keylong highway remains closed.
PWD claimed they have deployed machineries to restore the closed highways.
Police Advisory, over four feet Snow in Lahaul
The Lahaul-Spiti Police issued a warning on social media, stating:
“Weather Update: Snowing heavily. Road Status: Closed. Snow Depth: Approximately 3 feet 6 inches. Exercise vigilance and refrain from travel until roads are restored.”
The Shimla police have also urged travelers to avoid venturing into affected areas until the situation improves.
"It is still snowing in higher places of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, upper Shimla, and Kullu-Manali. Avoid travel till roads are restored," they advised.
Kashmir Valley: A Night of Agony for Stranded Families
In the Kashmir Valley, thousands of vehicles, mostly cars carrying families, are stranded on snow-clogged NAVYUG- Srinagar Highway and as many six highways remained closed due to snow in the valley.
Many passengers revealed on social media that they were stuck without food or water throughout the night.
"We’ve been struggling here for hours in this freezing weather.
There’s no help, no water, no food. The government must act urgently," one passenger pleaded.
Another stranded commuter called for the immediate attention of the Omar Abdullah-led administration, emphasizing the need for swift road clearance and rescue operations.
Kulgam Police Step Up Amid Snowfall on Jammu-Srinagar Highway
SRINAGAR: In a swift response to the heavy snowfall that disrupted travel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Kulgam Police, led by Additional SP (Highway) Qazigund, Mumtaz Ali Bhatti, extended a helping hand to stranded commuters.
As vehicles ground to a halt along the snow-clad highway, Bhatti and his team swung into action, assisting travelers and ensuring their safety amid harsh weather conditions.
The timely intervention was praised by locals, who expressed gratitude for the police's proactive efforts.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed officials to expedite assistance for those affected. Stressing the importance of smooth travel and public safety, he urged authorities to prioritize clearing the highway and providing relief to stranded travellors.
Extreme Conditions
The snowfall, which shows no signs of abating, has paralyzed both regions, with main highways in Kashmir and Himachal resembling parking lots as vehicles remain immobile in deep snow.
Travelers are strongly advised to stay off the roads until authorities clear them and restore safe passage.
In the meantime, rescue efforts are being ramped up to ensure the safety of those stranded in snow.
