Manali–Leh NH: controlled passage up to Sarchu allowed for one more week
Shimla, Nov 30,
Providing relaxation from winter travel restrictions, the Lahaul and Spiti district administration has allowed regulated vehicular movement on the Manali–Leh National Highway (NH-3) up to the Zingzing Bar–Sarchu belt until December 7. The decision comes after a comprehensive inter-agency review led by Deputy Commissioner and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Chairperson Kiran Bhadana.
The stretch beyond Zingzing Bar had been declared closed on November 20 following sudden deterioration in weather and concerns over traveller safety. However, officials from Lahaul–Spiti, Leh, BRO, and the police—during a recent virtual assessment meeting—reviewed fresh ground reports, updated meteorological inputs, and the Border Roads Organisation’s latest road condition evaluation. With conditions showing short-term improvement, the administration has issued a revised travel advisory.
According to the order released by the DC Office, Keylong, two-way traffic between Zingzing Bar and Sarchu will be allowed strictly between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. until December 7. Authorities have stressed that this timing is non-negotiable, as early sunsets, the likelihood of black ice, and abrupt atmospheric changes render any movement outside the permitted window highly unsafe.
The police have been assigned to oversee real-time regulation of vehicles based on on-ground conditions. Motorists have been urged to remain extremely cautious, carry adequate winter supplies, and follow all advisory updates issued by the district administration and police teams.
A specific warning has been issued for motorcyclists. Officials noted that thin, near-invisible ice sheets—common on this high-altitude corridor at this time of year—pose serious risks, especially while navigating bends or descending gradients.
The administration underscored that despite the temporary window of flexibility, winter conditions in the region remain unpredictable. Any extension of road access beyond December 7 will depend entirely on subsequent weather patterns and safety assessments.
DC Kiran Bhadana has invoked Sections 30 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to enforce the revised guidelines.
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