Silver for the hospitality business in Himachal, heavy footfall likely

The heatwave in the plain has brought silver business to the Himachal Pradesh hospitality industry as heavy footfalls were expected on the weekend when Manali-Leh and Grampu-Kaza National Highway ( 3 and 504) are opened on both sides. 

Shimla and Manali are expected to have a heavy rush on the weekend as sweltering heat waves are increasing in the plain. Vehicular traffic has already choked Shimla but Commissioning four lanes up to Manali ended the traffic congratulations. 

According to the Lahaul-Spiti district administration today onward Leh – Manali Road was open for both sides of traffic Vehicles moving towards the Sarchu side from Darcha as Vehicular traffic was permitted between 09:00  AM – 11:00 AM, while those traveling from Sarchu towards Manali will be allowed between 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM.

However, to ensure the safety of commuters and tourists likely to swell on the weekend administration was sounding travel  Advisory since Friday.

They are cautioned that in case of Rainfall or Snowfall vehicles won’t be permitted to pass. Vehicles permitted should be in compliance with the specifications and requirements given in the advisory. All vehicles should be checked beforehand for fuel sufficiency, machinery, tire condition, etc. before traveling through this route. Tourists and other vehicles to be cautious about shooting stones. 

Vehicles should not make unnecessary stoppages between Darcha to the Sarchu route. However, Administration also cautioned travelers after in compliance with the Advisory they would be traveling at their own risk. 

Frequent announcements and signage are being displayed along Manali-Leh road that 

due to prevailing inclement weather in the valley and the possibility of avalanches or Rockfall, and eventually couldn’t be denied and tourists should tread cautiously.

The travelers further are advised to be very cautious while traveling in the valley. In case of Snowfall, they are requested to move and stay in safe places. The timings of travel to be strictly followed so that there should be no traffic jams.

In a separate Advisory about traffic movement on NH 505 Kaza- Gramphu Road or NH- 505, Road will be open for both sides of traffic for 4×4, 4×2, LMVS & two wheelers excluding HMVs, and Anti-skid chain ( compulsory ) for 4×2 & LMVs.

 Vehicles moving towards the Lossar side from Gramphu would be permitted between 06:00 AM – 04:00 PM, while those traveling from Lossar towards Gramphu will be allowed between 06:00 AM – 04:00 PM. 

Open Police personnel would be present to assist with coordination and ensure smooth traffic flow. 

These timings will be strictly followed so that there should be no traffic jams.

 The Chandra Taal route is open for 4 by 4 Vehicles only. ( As this route is out of the network zone therefore all travelers should ensure that they contact their family and relatives at the Lossar Check post or Koksar Check post before making the journey. )

 Gramphu to Lossar road is highly prone to Rock falls & Avalanches so be very careful while driving on this route.  In case of Rainfall / Snowfall vehicles won’t be permitted to pass.

The vehicle permitted should be in compliance with the specifications and requirements given in the advisory.

 All the vehicles should be checked beforehand for fuel sufficiency, machinery, tire condition, etc. before traveling through this route. Vehicles should not make unnecessary stoppages between Gramphu and Lossar routes.

State like witnessed entry of over one lakh vehicles therefore it is a nightmare for district administration Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Shimla as narrow lane and link roads come to complete halts due to spurt in traffic beyond the capacity and poor parking facilities and roads violations by the drivers in the hills.

Una sizzles near 40 degrees. Heatwave conditions also slightly developed in the state as the Maximum temperature was near 1.5 to two degrees above normal today as Una was 39.8 degrees Celsius and 1.2 degrees above normal.

The maximum temperature on Saturday was 36 degrees in Sundernagar, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Kangra, and Chamba and 35 at Mandi and Nahan (Sirmaur). Bhuntar Airport 36, Shimla and Manali 27 each, Airport Jubbarhati 30, Dharamshala 33, Keylong 18, Solan 33, Dalhousie 24.5, Kufri 20.4 and Narakanda 21.5 degrees respectively.

Met Office warned of thunderstorms accompanied by light summer showers at Kangra, Kullu, Chamba, Shimla, and Sirmour in the next 24 hrs.