Mandi-Kullu Highway Reopens After Landslides; 1300 Stranded Evacuated Safely, Restoration Works Continue Across District.
Shimla:
After days of relentless rain and landslides that brought life to a standstill across Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, the crucial Mandi-Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has finally been reopened to vehicular traffic. The restoration comes as a significant relief to the administration and public alike, especially the 1,300 stranded passengers who have now been safely evacuated from various affected locations.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan confirmed on Monday afternoon that the highway, which had been severely blocked at Aut, Panarsa, Takoli, Thalout, and other vulnerable spots due to heavy rains and flash floods, is now operational on both sides. Extensive coordination between the district administration, Public Works Department (PWD), and emergency services made this possible.
“Heavy rainfall and landslides had disrupted daily life in multiple parts of the district. Thanks to swift action and coordinated efforts, we have reopened the highway and ensured the safe evacuation of stranded individuals, including domestic and foreign tourists,” said Devgan.
Relief and Rescue on War Footing
DC Devgan informed that large numbers of JCBs, machinery, and human resources were deployed at sensitive spots to clear debris and reopen roads. SDM Balichowki Deviram was dispatched to oversee on-ground operations, maintain communication with affected areas, and supervise relief work. Emergency supplies have been delivered to impacted residents.
In the Drang constituency, particularly the Batheri region, flash floods caused severe disruption. SDM Sadar Rupinder Kaur personally visited the area, ensuring that three affected families received food and essential commodities. Road restoration to Batheri is being carried out urgently, and a damaged pedestrian bridge is set to be rebuilt under the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA).
Schools Shut, Monitoring Intensified
As a precautionary measure, Batheri Senior Secondary School and Sanwar government schools (both middle and primary) have been ordered closed until further notice due to unsafe conditions.
Meanwhile, the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway-154 has also been reopened. Authorities have deployed workers and machinery at landslide-prone areas between Drang and Ghatasani, where multiple incidents were reported. SDM Padhar Surjeet Singh has been directed to coordinate field operations.
To prevent further disaster, early warning landslide sensors have been installed in Kotrupi (Ghatasani–Narla stretch), and home guard personnel have been deployed for real-time response. Fallen trees are also being cleared in coordination with fire services and local agencies.
Administration Urges Caution
The Deputy Commissioner urged citizens to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated on weather conditions and road alerts. He also advised people to keep a safe distance from rivers and streams, as sudden rises in water levels remain a serious threat.
Efforts are ongoing to restore all essential services in affected areas. The administration has assured the public that it is working round-the-clock to ensure normalcy returns to the region at the earliest.
