Chandigarh-Manali Highway to close twice weekly for rock removal due to landslide
Due to recurring landslides on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway ( NH 21) during the rainy season, the authorities have made the difficult decision to close the highway twice a week, every Wednesday and Friday, from August 23 to September 28, between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. This is to allow the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to safely remove dangerous rocks and boulders hanging over the Bindravani to Pandoh stretch.
The decision wasn’t taken lightly. The highway, which sees hundreds of vehicles daily, has become increasingly risky as large rocks have been dislodged by the heavy rains, posing a serious threat to travelers. To prevent any tragic accidents, the road will be completely closed for two hours each week so that the NHAI can carefully clear these hazards.
Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, who also chairs the District Disaster Management Authority, emphasized the importance of this safety measure. He explained that the NHAI had flagged the section between Bindravani and Pandoh as particularly dangerous due to the landslides, with rocks precariously hanging above the road. Given the potential risk to the public, the administration decided that these regular closures are necessary.
During these closures, the highway will be off-limits to all traffic as workers focus on removing the threatening boulders. This measure, although inconvenient, is crucial for ensuring that the route remains safe for everyone once it reopens.
