Old Hindustan Tibet road NH-5 again closed for Vehicular Traffic -

Shimla, March 4,

Contents

Heavy snowfall in the upper regions of Himachal Pradesh has once again disrupted normal life, leading to the closure of key roads and highways. The Old Hindustan Tibet National Highway (NH-5) near Narkanda is blocked due to fresh snowfall, forcing traffic to be diverted through Sunni-Tattapani-Sainj. Several roads in Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba remain snowbound, leaving many tribal areas completely cut off from the rest of the state.

Meanwhile, other major highways in the region are open but require caution. The Theog-Hatkoti NH-705, NH-205 (Shimla-Bilaspur), and State Highways 8 and 13 are accessible for vehicular movement. However, authorities have warned travelers against early morning and late-night travel due to slippery road conditions. The District Disaster Management Operation Centre in Shimla remains on alert to assist in case of emergencies.

The severe weather has also led to emergency medical evacuations. A private airline’s helicopter service rescued two critically ill patients from Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti on Sunday and Monday. However, the state government’s helicopter has not yet been deployed for rescue operations in the snowbound tribal areas, raising concerns about accessibility to emergency services in these remote locations.

Shimla and its surrounding areas have witnessed a sharp drop in temperature, with mercury plummeting to 3-4 degrees Celsius. A thunderstorm and moderate rainfall further added to the winter chill, making conditions harsher for residents and travelers. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for six districts, while the rest of the state remains under a yellow alert. The forecast predicts rain or snowfall at a few places on Tuesday, with partly cloudy conditions persisting.

Despite the disruptions, the recent spell of snowfall has brought much-needed relief from the prolonged dry weather that had gripped the region. While the cold wave continues to affect daily life, the fresh snowfall has replenished water sources, ensuring long-term benefits for agriculture and tourism once roads are cleared. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge people to remain cautious while traveling in affected areas.

Himachalscape bureau

Administrator

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

View All Posts

Himachalscape bureau