Mandi, May 29
A video showing a scuffle between motorists inside the Hanogi Tunnel on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has gone viral on social media, once again highlighting growing concerns over road rage incidents amid the ongoing tourist rush to Himachal Pradesh.
According to reports, the altercation took place on Thursday afternoon when a traffic jam developed inside the tunnel. Drivers allegedly began jostling for passage and attempting to overtake one another, leading to a heated argument that soon escalated into a physical scuffle.
The viral video shows several individuals pushing and shoving each other while bystanders attempt to intervene. The incident reportedly disrupted traffic inside the tunnel for nearly half an hour before the situation was brought under control.
Officials at the Aut police station said the dispute arose over giving way to vehicles during congestion inside the tunnel. However, the parties involved later resolved the matter among themselves and no formal complaint has been lodged so far.
The incident comes at a time when Himachal Pradesh’s major tourist destinations, including Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie, are witnessing a sharp increase in tourist arrivals as people from the northern plains seek relief from the prevailing heatwave conditions.
The surge in vehicular traffic on mountain roads has led to frequent traffic jams and an increasing number of disputes among motorists. In recent weeks, several incidents of aggressive driving, rash overtaking and road rage involving tourists have been reported from different parts of the state.
Also Read
Duo detained for assaulting a Volvo bus driver in Shimla
Earlier, an HRTC Volvo bus driver was allegedly assaulted by a group of tourists and youths from Haryana following a dispute on the road. Similar incidents have been reported from other tourist destinations as well. All four accused including a woman are in judicial lockup now.
Authorities have also expressed concern over dangerous driving and stunt performances by visitors.
Recently, a tourist drove a Thar SUV into the Chandrabhaga River in Lahaul and was subsequently fined by the police. In another case, police identified an individual whose video showing dangerous driving on a mountain road had gone viral on social media.
A separate incident in Shimla recently involved a tourist allegedly misbehaving with an ambulance driver and obstructing traffic movement, drawing criticism from local residents and authorities.
With the tourist season gathering momentum, police have appealed to visitors to exercise restraint, follow traffic rules and avoid reckless driving on mountain roads.
Mandi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar urged motorists to maintain discipline during traffic jams and refrain from risky overtaking, warning that such behaviour can endanger lives and disrupt traffic flow on the region’s narrow highways.
Also Read
Teenager SUV stunt in river, police slaps challan for reckless driving
Authorities said strict action would be taken against those found violating traffic regulations or engaging in dangerous driving practices that threaten public safety.
This version ties the Hanogi Tunnel incident into the broader pattern of tourist-related road rage and reckless driving being reported across Himachal Pradesh during the ongoing tourist season.
About the Author
