Landslide Disrupts Chandigarh-Shimla Highway: Traffic Delays and Impact

The Chandigarh-Shimla Highway, also known as NH-05 or Kalka-Shimla highway, faced a significant traffic disruption lasting around eight hours due to a landslide near Chakki Morh in Parwanoo. The incident occurred during the early hours of Friday, causing the closure of the highway and affecting commuters and essential goods transportation.

Landslide Halts Traffic:

Around 2:35 am to 2:40 am, heavy rainfall triggered a landslide between Thambu Mod and Chakki Morh, leading to the closure of Shimla National Highway 5. The debris from the hill made the road impassable, necessitating immediate action to clear the blockage.

Traffic Resumes After Clearance:

Authorities worked diligently to clear the debris and make the road safe for travel. By approximately 11:30 AM, the traffic flow on the highway was restored. This incident marked the seventh landslide occurrence during the ongoing monsoon season, coming just two days after the route had been reopened following a previous landslide.

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Widespread Road Closures in Himachal Pradesh:

The recent heavy rainfall has led to the closure of approximately 242 roads, including two national highways, across Himachal Pradesh. The state's emergency operation center has been actively monitoring the situation and providing updates on road conditions.

Weather Alerts and Anticipated Rainfall:

The regional meteorological department in Shimla had earlier issued a yellow alert, indicating the possibility of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in various parts of Himachal Pradesh. The alert covered regions including Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Chamba, and Una.

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Forecast Details:

The meteorological center in Shimla provided details of the expected weather conditions: "Light to Moderate rainfall with thunder likely to occur at many places in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, Bilaspur, Una, Mandi, and Kullu. There's a possibility of isolated heavy rainfall in the districts of Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kangra, and Mandi."

In conclusion, the recent landslide-induced closure of the Chandigarh-Shimla Highway underscores the vulnerability of transportation infrastructure during the monsoon season. The efforts to promptly clear the road and restore traffic flow highlight the importance of coordinated emergency response. The impact on essential goods delivery, tourism, and daily activities emphasizes the critical role that these highways play in the region's connectivity and economy.