Massive Landslide Hits Mandi, Chandigarh-Manali Highway Shut Again

Mandi (The Uttam Hindu)- The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been damaged due to a landslide in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. A large portion of the highway near the Kainchi turn near Pandoh Dam has collapsed due to heavy rains. Heavy rains overnight have completely destroyed the highway, leaving no vehicle or pedestrian path.

At the same time, Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut has expressed grief over this accident. She wrote on the social media platform X, "This horrific accident near Mandi-Banala is very sad. Many people and vehicles may be buried under the debris due to the mountain collapse. I am with the affected families and am in constant touch with the administration. Relief work is going on at a fast pace. May God keep everyone safe and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured." Earlier, the highway was closed due to a landslide near Banala, where heavy vehicles were stopped near 9 mile. The highway was planned to be restored by removing stones in Banala today, but this new collapse at the scissors turn has increased the difficulties. The work of removing stones in Banala has been completed, but it will take time to repair the scissors turn or make an alternative route. Earlier, the highway was restored after three days near Dwada, but this accident has increased the problems further.

In the year 2023, a similar disaster was witnessed in the same area, when a large part of the highway collapsed and got submerged in the Pandoh Dam. At that time, it took 8 months to rebuild the highway. The old route was repaired and traffic was started. But, now no such option is visible at the Kainchi turn. In the current situation, the Katola route has been made an alternative route from Mandi to Kullu-Manali. Small vehicles are being allowed to go here every hour, which is the only resort at the moment. Local administration and NHAI teams are engaged in relief and repair work on the spot, but heavy rains and the threat of landslides have made the work more challenging. Travelers have been appealed to travel only when necessary and use the alternative route.