Massive 50-km Traffic Jam Paralyzes Chandigarh-Kullu Highway

Torrential rainfall and multiple landslides have triggered a staggering 50-kilometer traffic jam on the Chandigarh-Kullu highway, stranding thousands of vehicles, including hundreds of trucks carrying perishable goods bound for Delhi-NCR markets. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, a vital lifeline for Himachal Pradesh and beyond, remains blocked at several points, halting the movement of essential commodities and leaving commuters stranded for days.

The chaos began on Tuesday evening as heavy rains pounded the region, causing landslides at six locations between Mandi and Kullu, including notorious trouble spots like 4 Mile, 7 Mile, and Kainchi Mod near Pandoh. The Beas River’s raging waters have further eroded critical stretches of the highway, complicating repair efforts. Ashok Chauhan, an engineer with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Kullu-Manali, reported that restoration work is underway but faces delays due to persistent rainfall and unstable terrain. “The river’s strong flow has damaged multiple sections, and we’re working tirelessly to clear debris,” he said.

Truck drivers are bearing the brunt of the crisis, with consignments of apples, tomatoes, and other vegetables worth crores rotting in transit. Gaffar, a driver stranded in Kullu for five days, lamented, “My load of apples was meant for Sahibabad mandi, but it’s spoiling. Each truck is worth Rs 4-4.5 lakh, and apples alone account for over Rs 50 crore stuck here.” Thousands of trucks headed to Azadpur and Sahibabad markets remain trapped, threatening supply chains to Delhi-NCR.

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While small vehicles have been allowed limited movement via alternate routes like Mandi-Kamand-Bajaura, heavy vehicles remain immobilized due to narrow roads and ongoing landslides. Manali Sub-Divisional Magistrate Raman Sharma confirmed that connectivity to Manali from one side is severed, with local infrastructure also taking a hit. Since Monday, four shops, two restaurants, and a house in Kullu’s Ramshila area have been damaged, while a house collapse in Bilaspur’s Manjhed village on Wednesday added to the region’s woes.

The broader impact of the monsoon, which began on June 20, has been devastating. Himachal Pradesh has reported 158 rain-related deaths, 38 missing persons, and losses exceeding Rs 2,623 crore. Over 482 roads, including four national highways, remain blocked, with Mandi and Kullu among the hardest hit. Power outages and disrupted water supply lines have further compounded the crisis.

Local resident Jai Bhal urged authorities to implement long-term measures to stabilize landslide-prone areas like Ramshila, warning of potential destruction in future monsoons. With the India Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rainfall until August 30, officials are racing against time to restore connectivity and avert further economic and human losses.

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