Light snowfall triggers traffic curbs as New Year tourist rush builds in Himachal
Shimla/Keylong, Dec 31,
A fresh spell of light snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh triggered precautionary traffic restrictions on Wednesday as hundreds of New Year tourists converged on the hills, heightening safety concerns for residents and visitors alike.
District authorities in Lahaul-Spiti sounded alerts and tightened movement across vulnerable stretches after snow and freezing overnight conditions caused surface water to freeze and black ice to form on strategic mountain road sections. Officials warned that the resulting slippery conditions posed a severe risk of vehicles skidding, collisions, and roadside crashes.
“Surface freezing and invisible ice layers significantly increase danger for motorists,” said a senior administration official, urging cab operators and private travellers to avoid high-risk sections.
As a precautionary measure, tourist cabs and private vehicles were advised to return to safer points of halt, with repeated safety announcements broadcast near the North Portal.
The administration had already issued traffic advisories earlier this week restricting movement on treacherous stretches and closing access beyond the Rohtang Tunnel after snowfall along the snowline. Though the Rohtang route was briefly opened for regulated traffic on Monday, deteriorating weather forced authorities to reimpose curbs. The stretch remains shut for the winter season since November 20.
Across Himachal, weather stayed mostly dry to overcast on Tuesday, with light snowfall limited to higher altitudes. Popular lower-elevation tourist hubs, including Shimla and Manali, reported no fresh snow by Wednesday morning, but persistent cold and frigid winds kept conditions chilly.
Despite the weather challenges, the New Year tourist surge intensified over the past 48 hours. Hospitality operators in Shimla and Manali say occupancy levels have climbed to around 80%, driven largely by short-stay visitors arriving for New Year festivities.
State police and district administrations have issued urgent appeals to tourists:
Avoid unnecessary travel on icy stretches
Follow official advisories strictly
Plan journeys with appropriate winter safety gear
Allow extra travel time amid expected traffic congestion
Officials stressed that traditional winter travel discipline—including cautious driving and preparedness for sudden weather changes—remains essential for safe movement on Himachal’s hill roads during the peak holiday period.
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