Shimla, Jan 24 (UNI) Normal life in Himachal Pradesh was severely disrupted on Friday as widespread heavy snowfall and rain blocked road connectivity and cut power across large parts of the state.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), 563 roads, including two national highways- NH-03 and NH-50 were blocked due to snow accumulation. Power supply was also affected, with 4,797 distribution transformers (DTRs) reported out of service.
Lahaul and Spiti were the worst-hit districts, with 290 roads closed, including key routes such as Koksar–Rohtang Pass, Darcha–Sarchu, and Gramphu–Batal, effectively isolating the tribal district.
Chamba reported 105 blocked roads, mainly in Pangi, Tissa, Salooni, and Bharmour. Mandi saw 64 road closures, Una 70, Sirmaur 20, Kullu nine, Kangra four, and Solan one. Bilaspur and Hamirpur remained unaffected. Road status in the Shimla district could not be fully compiled as the local emergency office was without power.
Solan recorded the highest number of disrupted transformers at 1,856, followed by Mandi (901), Kullu (682), Chamba (659), and Sirmaur (624). Lahaul and Spiti reported 53, and Una two, according to the SEOC.
The Shimla Meteorological Office reported severe cold conditions in the state capital, with a minimum temperature of 0°C and a maximum of 0.6°C, well below the normal 3–11°C. Shimla received 25 cm of snowfall on Friday.
In Kullu district, fresh snowfall of around 45 cm (1.50 feet) led to the suspension of vehicular movement on major roads, while nearby areas such as Patlikuhal recorded six cm of snowfall, while Banjar, Sainj, Anni, and Nirmand experienced rainfall.
The National Highway-03 (NH-03) from Jhiri to Manali has been blocked due to heavy snow accumulation near the 18 Mile stretch. The Manali–Atal Tunnel Rohtang (ATR) road is also closed as a precautionary measure. Similarly, the Aut–Luhri stretch of NH-305 has been blocked near, where snow depth has reached nearly three feet.
The Bhuntar–Manikaran road (DMR-30) has been closed following a tree fall near the Manikaran Gurudwara, further affecting local movement. Although the Ramshila (Kullu) to Manali route via the left bank is technically through, traffic towards Manali has been stopped at Patlikuhal due to unsafe conditions caused by snow.
Police have advised commuters and tourists to avoid non-essential travel and strictly follow advisories issued by the administration. Restoration work will be taken up once weather conditions improve, officials said.
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