Himachal’s Road Warriors Battle to Reopen 535 Snow-Blocked Routes
As heavy snowfall continues to isolate communities across Himachal Pradesh, the Public Works Department (PWD) is engaged in a massive, round-the-clock operation to reopen vital road links. With 535 roads currently closed, the scale of the challenge is significant, but crews are making steady progress in brutal conditions.
The Scale of the Challenge
The majority of the blocked roads—511—are crucial village connectors, alongside 20 Major District Roads and four National Highways. Authorities have provided a phased restoration timeline:
· 199 roads are targeted to reopen by January 23.
· 104 roads are expected to open by January 24.
· The remaining 232 roads, particularly in the hardest-hit areas, may take longer, depending on weather and snow depth. Preliminary estimates peg the damage cost at approximately ₹6.03 crore.
Machinery and Muscle on the Ground
To tackle this herculean task, the PWD has deployed a small army of machinery and personnel. A total of 264 machines, including 206 JCBs, 18 specialized snow robots, 10 dozers, and 30 tippers, are clearing paths across the state.
Special attention is being given to key National Highway stretches and Shimla city routes. On critical links like Tutikandi-Mehli-Fagu and Theog-Kotkhai-Hatkoti, a fleet of 15 JCBs, three dozers, and two snow robots is at work. Within the state capital, 10 JCBs and four robots are clearing essential roads including Lakkar Bazar, Sanjauli bypass, and Cart Road.
Focus on the Worst-Hit Areas
Districts like Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Lahaul-Spiti remain severely affected. While NH-05 to Shimla is open, several other major highways, including Shimla-Kufri-Narkanda and Powari-Kalpa, are closed with a target reopening date of January 24, weather permitting.
The most challenging situations persist in the remote Pangi subdivision of Chamba and large parts of Lahaul-Spiti, where officials warn that roads may remain closed beyond January 25.
An Appeal to the Public
As restoration crews brave hazardous conditions, PWD authorities are urging public cooperation. Commuters are advised to avoid non-essential travel, heed all official advisories, and extend patience and support to the field staff working tirelessly to restore connectivity.
