Introduction
In a recent incident, the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh was closed for 20 hours due to heavy landslides. The closure of the highway resulted in thousands of tourists being stranded in the area. However, with the combined efforts of the authorities and construction companies, the highway has now been reopened for one-way traffic. In this article, we will discuss the details of the incident, the efforts taken to clear the highway, and the impact it had on the stranded tourists.
The Closure of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway
Last night, severe landslides occurred near mile markers 7, 6, and 4 of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, leading to the closure of the road. The landslides were a result of adverse weather conditions, making it challenging to reopen the highway immediately. Despite the difficulties, the construction company involved in the ongoing project made continuous efforts to clear the road using machinery.
Reopening the Highway for One-Way Traffic
After nearly 20 hours of closure, the authorities managed to reopen the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway for one-way traffic. The primary focus of the police was to evacuate the vehicles stuck in the traffic jam and clear the congestion. Police personnel were present at the site to maintain traffic management and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles.
The Process of Removing Stuck Vehicles
Efforts are underway to remove the vehicles stuck in the traffic jam on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway. The police, in collaboration with other authorities, have initiated the process of clearing the vehicles to restore normalcy. The presence of police personnel at the scene ensures that the vehicles are promptly evacuated, allowing for a smoother flow of traffic.
Timeframe for Full Restoration
According to SP Mandi, Sagar Chandra, the restoration of the highway for two-way traffic may take up to two days. The landslide was significant, and resolving the issue quickly was challenging. However, through the combined efforts of the administration, police, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the construction company, the reopening of the highway for one-way traffic was achieved. The authorities aim to restore traffic to normal by 9 or 10 pm, which would mark the clearance of the traffic jam caused by the landslide.
Blasting to Remove Debris
The construction company involved in the ongoing project left no stone unturned in its efforts to clear the road despite unfavorable weather conditions. Blasting was carried out to break down large boulders obstructing the highway. Raj Shekhar, the project manager, expressed gratitude for everyone’s cooperation in successfully clearing the debris and reopening the highway for one-way traffic. He mentioned that the other side of the highway would also be reopened soon, ensuring smooth passage in both directions.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How long was the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway closed due to landslides?
A: The highway was closed for approximately 20 hours due to heavy landslides.
Q: What caused the landslides on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway?
A: The landslides were a result of adverse weather conditions in the area.
Q: How did the authorities manage to reopen the highway?
A: The construction company involved in the ongoing project made continuous efforts to clear the road using machinery.
