Monsoon rain prompts night traffic curbs by NHAI; Chamba boulder tragedy claims 13 lives
Monsoon rain prompts night traffic curbs by NHAI; Chamba boulder tragedy claims 13 lives
Shimla, July 24,
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had imposed an overnight restriction on vehicular traffic on National Highway-154A near Durgathi on the Chamba-Bharmour road after continuous heavy rain made the stretch highly vulnerable to shooting stones and falling boulders.
The traffic restriction, ordered by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bharmour, on the recommendation of NHAI, remained in force from 8:00 pm on July 23 to 7:00 am on July 24. The advisory was issued as a precautionary measure to protect commuters from the risk of falling rocks and boulders during the night. Ambulances and other emergency service vehicles were exempted.
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The warning came in the wake of a tragic incident on the Chamba-Pangi road at Kuddu Nallah, where a passenger vehicle was hit by massive boulders falling from the hillside. Thirteen passengers were killed, while three others sustained serious injuries. Rescue operations were carried out by the district administration, police and local residents.
Meanwhile, the Bilaspur district administration has also ordered temporary traffic restrictions on the Swarghat (Kainchi Mor Tunnel-1) to Mandi Bharari Chowk stretch on the Kiratpur-Nerchowk highway for maintenance work by NHAI. Vehicular movement on the affected stretch will remain suspended between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm on July 24 and 25, with traffic diverted through the old NH-21 via Swarghat and Nauni Chowk. Ambulances, school buses, VIP vehicles and other emergency vehicles will be allowed to pass.
Authorities have appealed to the public to plan their journeys in advance and strictly follow traffic advisories as heavy rain continues to pose a risk of shooting stones and falling boulders on vulnerable hill roads across the state.
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