As the calendar turns a new leaf, Himachal Pradesh emerges as a coveted destination for New Year celebrations. The Himalayan state has already received an influx of tourists since Christmas. Therefore, it’s important to know the latest updates on road and highway conditions, which equips us with essential information for a seamless journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal during the festive season.The important highway connecting Mandi to Kullu via Kamand-Kataula is presently closed for heavy vehicles, only LMVs (Light Motor Vehicles) and route buses up to 32 seater are allowed.
NH 21 at Kainchi Mor near Pandoh dam in Mandi district, which connects Kullu region, was washed away in flash floods earlier this year in the state. A makeshift link road of 400 m was built by PWD behind Pandoh Dam connecting to a village road, thus a bypass link road of distance 4.5 km has been created on which the whole of NH traffic is being run, Mandi Police mentioned on X.This road has been widened by PWD for crossing of LMVs in both directions, but the movement of heavy vehicles is only unidirectional in turn, as per Mandi Police.Notably, the vital highways connecting Delhi-Manali, Manali-Kaza, Kelong-Kaza, and Keylong-Leh are presently open 24*7, the district Lahual and Spiti mentioned on their website.
This has been done to promote e-vehicles on a large scale in the state. If necessary, the departments will be able to purchase petrol or diesel vehicles only after the approval of the state cabinet.
Aiming for Vyavastha Parivartan, CM Shukhu said, “Due to the consistent efforts of the government the number of government e-vehicles has reached 185, while that of private electric vehicles registered in the state is 2,733.”
CM’s Shimla winter carnival inspection
On New Year’s Eve, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, took a stroll and inspected the arrangements at Mall Road of Shimla, extending warm greetings to the public and tourists. The Chief Minister also visited the Winter Carnival at the Ridge and enjoyed the cultural programme.