Kiratpur-Manali Forelane blocked

Mandi, August 30: While the spell of heavy rain has subsided in Himachal Pradesh, the mountains continue to pose a threat. Due to a significant amount of debris falling last night near the entrance of the 4-kilometer-long Jalogi Tunnel, located about 4 kilometers from Kiratpur-Manali Forelane, the highway has been closed. Continuous falling of rocks and debris from the mountains has hindered the road-clearing process.

According to the received information, at 10:15 PM last night, a substantial amount of debris and rocks fell at the mouth of the Jalogi Tunnel. As a result, the vehicular movement on the Forelane has been suspended. Light vehicles have been diverted from Katola, while heavy vehicles remain stuck in the traffic jam. Authorities have deployed machinery at the site to restore the road, but the ongoing process of rocks falling from the mountains is causing difficulties in the restoration work.

Additional Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sagar Chandra, mentioned that due to the continuous rockfall from the mountains, it’s not currently possible to reopen the tunnel. Another tunnel adjacent to this one has also been closed since heavy rain on July 8. Preparations are underway to reopen the closed tunnel to facilitate the passage of vehicles through this route.