A massive rescue operation successfully cleared over 1,500 vehicles stranded near the south portal of Atal Tunnel in Rohtang Pass following heavy snowfall on March 15, 2026. The sudden weather disruption trapped tourists and locals traveling between Manali and Lahaul, prompting an overnight effort by Manali police, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local agencies. Authorities confirmed all stranded individuals were safely evacuated toward Manali by early March 16, restoring traffic flow on this vital Himalayan route.
The incident unfolded Sunday evening when fresh snow in upper Manali reaches reduced visibility and created hazardous icy conditions, halting over 1,000 vehicles initially reported at the tunnel's south portal. DSP Manali KD Sharma personally oversaw operations, coordinating with BRO teams to clear snow using machinery, chemical de-icers like urea, and mud spraying to prevent skids. Police urged patience from those trapped, assuring their safety amid low oxygen levels and limited amenities in the high-altitude zone.
Rescue teams worked through the night, guiding vehicles one by one while battling thick snow layers and poor visibility under dark clouds. Hundreds of tourists spent anxious hours in their cars, facing shortages of food, water, and warmth before relief arrived. BRO's heavy equipment played a pivotal role in road restoration, addressing the Manali-Kelang route closure that affected peak-season travel.
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Atal Tunnel, India's longest high-altitude highway tunnel at 10,000 feet, connects Lahaul-Spiti to Kullu year-round but remains vulnerable to Rohtang Pass snowfall even inside its 9.02-km structure. Opened in 2020, it cuts travel time dramatically but demands constant maintenance during Himachal's erratic late-winter weather shifts. This event echoes frequent disruptions, underscoring the challenges of infrastructure in extreme terrains.
No casualties were reported, though some tourists suffered mild altitude discomfort from oxygen scarcity at the site. Authorities appealed for weather updates via official channels and advised essential travel only post-clearance. The swift multi-agency response prevented escalation, with normalcy returning as plows continued clearing residual snow along the strategic corridor.
As Himachal witnesses erratic spring snowfalls amid climate shifts, officials plan enhanced monitoring and equipment deployment near the tunnel. This operation highlights coordinated disaster response in remote areas, balancing tourism influx with safety on one of India's engineering marvels vital for regional connectivity and defense logistics.
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