Met predicts rain, snow from Dec 27 to 29

About 1,000 vehicles were stuck in traffic jam in Manali, prompting police to launch rescue ops

- HTC and PTI

SHIMLA: As the fresh snowfall brought cheer for tourists, road connectivity in the state took a hit as 350 roads, including three national highways were closed.

According to reports, NH-5 towards Chango and Maling Nalla in Kinnaur, Kullu -- Rohtang Pass NH-03 and Jalori Pass NH-305 were blocked due to snow. Solang Nalla to Atal Tunnel NH-03, Lahaul Spiti -- NH 03 between Rohtang Pass to Koksar and NH-505 between Gramphu-Lossar were closed.

Addressing media in Shimla, PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh on Tuesday said heavy snowfall has disrupted road connectivity across the state.

Outlining the government's measures for clearing snow, Singh said, "Over 350 roads were initially blocked, with 235 expected to reopen by tomorrow evening." Singh said the state government has launched extensive snow clearance operations, deploying 268 machines across snowbound regions, including Dalhousie and Rohru.

"Seventy departmental JCBs, 96 hired machines, 13 advanced snow blowers, and 13 bulldozers are currently in operation," he said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining smooth travel for locals and tourists during the peak festive season while highlighting the economic significance of snowfall for the state.

"By tomorrow evening, 235 roads will be reopened, and all remaining routes will be cleared within two days," Singh assured as the state prepares for an influx of tourists over the next five days, coinciding with the festive season.

A fresh spell of heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh's Manali on Monday left several vehicles stuck and tourists stranded in their vehicles for hours between Solang and Atal Tunnel, Rohtang.

According to officials, around 1,000 vehicles were stuck in a long traffic jam, prompting police to launch a rescue operation and shift around 700 tourists to safe places.