Himachal Pradesh is currently experiencing a major traffic jam near the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang La, causing frustration for thousands of tourists.
A recent video from ANI revealed a significant backlog of vehicles in the 9.2-km Atal Tunnel, constructed beneath the Rohtang Pass to link Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. Commuters are stranded in their vehicles, creating a challenging situation for travelers in the area.
Himachal Pradesh Traffic Jam
The National Highway that links Manali and Keylong, a crucial route to Rohtang Pass and the iconic Atal Tunnel, is currently facing severe congestion, turning it into a virtual parking lot. Traffic jams are evident between Manali and Vashisth Chowk, Potato Ground to Rangadi, and Solang Nala to Atal Tunnel, with vehicles lined up for kilometers, creating a bumper-to-bumper situation.
Similar traffic issues are affecting the road to Shimla, especially on the highway connecting the state capital with Shoghi, resulting in significant gridlock.
As per police records, around 65,000 individuals, traveling in over 12,000 vehicles, passed through the Atal Tunnel on Sunday, highlighting a notable increase in visitors to the region. The Atal Tunnel, spanning 9.2 kilometers, holds the distinction of being the world’s highest single-tube tunnel above 10,000 feet.
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Festive Rush Causes Traffic Chaos in Himachal Pradesh
In the past two days, there’s been a surge in visitors heading to popular Himachal Pradesh destinations like Kasol and Manali for Christmas Eve celebrations. Unfortunately, this has led to major traffic jams, especially at the Atal Tunnel, a crucial link across the Rohtang Pass.
The Himachal Pradesh police anticipate a whopping 100,000 tourists before New Year’s Eve. Shimla has witnessed an influx of more than 55,000 vehicles recently, contributing to the heavy traffic flow through the Atal Tunnel, which has seen around 55,000 vehicles in the last three days alone.
Mahindra Thar Video Sparks Controversy and Police Action
In a viral video, a tourist bravely navigated a Mahindra Thar SUV across Lahaul Valley’s Chandra River. Luckily, the water level was relatively low, preventing a potentially disastrous outcome. The widely circulated footage, shared across social media, has faced criticism from the local community.
The SUV driver has been issued a challan by the police. According to SP Mayank Chaudhry, “The recent viral video showing a Thar crossing Chandra River in Lahaul Spiti has led to the vehicle being penalized under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. To prevent future offenses, the district police have stationed personnel at the location.”
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Himachal Pradesh Traffic Jam FAQs
Q.1. Why is there a major traffic jam near the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang La in Himachal Pradesh?
Ans. The traffic jam is primarily due to the increased influx of tourists heading to popular destinations for Christmas Eve celebrations, leading to congestion on key routes, especially around the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang La.
Q.2. Which areas are most affected by traffic congestion in Himachal Pradesh?
Ans. The traffic jams are prominently observed between Manali and Vashisth Chowk, Potato Ground to Rangadi, and Solang Nala to Atal Tunnel. Additionally, the road to Shimla, particularly the highway connecting the state capital with Shoghi, is facing significant gridlock.
Q.3. What is causing the surge in traffic near the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang La?
Ans. The recent festive rush, with an increased number of visitors heading to destinations like Kasol and Manali for Christmas Eve celebrations, has resulted in a significant rise in traffic, especially at crucial points like the Atal Tunnel.
Q.4. How many vehicles have passed through the Atal Tunnel recently?
Ans. According to police records, around 65,000 individuals, traveling in over 12,000 vehicles, passed through the Atal Tunnel on a recent Sunday, indicating a notable increase in visitors to the region.
Q.5. When is Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day?
Ans. Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day is observed on 25th January every year.
