Manali–Leh NH to shut from November 20; Fresh Landslide near Mooling bridge highlights rising winter risks
A shot of the Manali Leh highway taken in June 2022. Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Nov 18,
With winter settling rapidly over the high mountains, the Lahaul–Spiti district administration has ordered the seasonal closure of the Manali–Leh National Highway from November 20, acting on a formal advisory issued by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
The BRO’s 70 RCC informed the administration that the Jingjingbar–Sarchu, Gulaba–Rohtang, and Gramphoo–Losar sectors have entered the high-risk phase where early snow buildup, black ice and sub-zero temperatures make travel increasingly dangerous. Beginning the third week of November, water on the road surface typically starts freezing, sharply heightening the risk of skidding. Natural sources like waterfalls and mountain streams along the route also freeze rapidly, creating hazardous patches even in daylight.
Deputy Commissioner Lahaul–Spiti Kiran Bhadana confirmed that vehicular movement will be barred until conditions improve next year, most likely between late May and June. She urged travellers, adventure enthusiasts and transporters to refrain from attempting the route after the cut-off date. Emergency movement, she clarified, may be permitted only after administrative approval based on BRO’s assessment.
The district administration further reiterated BRO’s caution that any vehicle venturing onto the route after November 20 will do so at its own risk, and rescue support cannot be guaranteed due to extreme winter limitations.
The closure advisory gained added urgency after a landslide near Mooling Bridge on Monday morning brought traffic on the highway to a complete halt for nearly three hours. A section of the hillside reportedly loosened, sending large rocks and debris onto the narrow road stretch and stranding multiple vehicles. BRO teams and local police reached the spot quickly, deploying heavy machinery to reopen the blocked section. One-way traffic was restored around noon.
Keylong SP Shivani said that final clearance of debris will be carried out on Tuesday and advised motorists travelling in the region before the closure date to exercise maximum caution.
The Manali–Leh highway—among the highest and most weather-exposed routes in the country—undergoes an annual winter shutdown due to recurring heavy snowfall, avalanche vulnerability and prolonged sub-zero temperatures. This year’s early signs of freezing and slope instability indicate another long winter closure ahead, reaffirming the administration’s decision to shut the route before harsher conditions set in.
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