Srinagar – Leh Road Status (2020): OPEN
Manali- Rohtang Pass Status (2020): OPEN
Manali – Leh Road Status (2020): CLOSED
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Excerpt:
02 November: Heavy snowfall on Baralacha pass, Rohtang pass and Lahaul valley has blocked Manali-Leh highway along will all roads in Lahaul valley.
16 October: The Manali-Leh highway has closed officially. The highway is closed officially every year after October 15. The seasonal police post from Sarchu has been removed. As a layer of ice/frost is depositing on road surface at higher regions (between Baralacha and Taglangla pass) and snowfall can occur anytime, driving on the highway becomes very risky.
18 September: As Atal tunnel, Rohtang (Rohtang tunnel) is ready for inauguration by PM Narendra Modi by end of this month, the distance between Manali and Leh will decrease by 46 KM.
25 June: After remaining blocked for 02 days after a bridge at Brandy Nala had damaged, the bridge has been reparied and traffic has been restored.
18 May, 2020: The Manali-Leh highway has opened for traffic. BRO on Monday cleared snow from Baralacha and officially declared the road open.
15 May, 2020: The Manali Leh highway is expected to open before May 20. However, only military movement will be allowed and civilians will not be allowed till further order.
28 April, 2020: Rohtang pass, one of the top tourist destinations of the country, has opened for vehicular traffic. BRO has cleared snow from Rohtang pass and first batch of 52 vehicles from Manali reached Lahaul on Tuesday.
20 Feb, 2020: Snow clearance on Manali-Leh highway starts officially after performing puja at Rahla fall near Manali and Darcha in Lahaul. Two BRO teams have moved towards Rohtang and Baralacha pass.
18 Feb, 2020: BRO starts clearing snow from Manali-Leh highway. The official snow clearance operation will start this week.
27 Dec, 2019: Rescue posts from both sides of Rohtang pass along Manali-Leh highway have shut as the pass is closed for both pedestrians and vehicular movement.
09 Dec, 2019: BRO again cleared snow from Manali-Rohtang-Keylong stretch. Keylong-Leh stretch likely to open by May end. More snowfall predicted from Dec 11.
21 Nov, 2019: After heavy snowfall of November 14 and 15, another spell of snowfall has started at Rohtang pass and Baralacha pass. One oil tanker has stranded at Rohtang.
11 Nov, 2019: BRO cleared snow from Manali-Rohtang-Keylong stretch but Keylong-Leh stretch will remain closed during winter months.
07 Nov, 2019: Manali Leh Highway Status 2020: Very heavy snowfall at Rohtang la and Baralacha la has again blocked the complete highway.
03 Nov, 2019: Fresh snowfall at Rohtang pass and Baralacha pass has blocked the Manali-Keylong-Leh highway. Traffic movement is allowed only till Gulaba. Manali-Keylong stretch will open shortly but Keylong-Leh stretch will open in the next season. More snowfall is in store in the next week.
15 Oct, 2019: Manali Leh Highway Status 2020: The Manali-Leh highway has closed officially for the year 2019-20. Police have removed posts from Sarchu, Darcha and Koksar. The highway has become slippery due to deposit of ice on road. Snow on Baralacha has made road slippery. The road will now open in May/June 2020.
Updated on 02 November, 2020
Heavy snowfall blocks Manali-Leh highway, internal roads of Lahaul
The traffic came to a complete standstill on Manali-Leh highway and entire Lahaul valley following unexpected heavy snowfall on Monday. While entire Lahaul valley is wrapped in thick blanket of snow, Baralacha pass has received very heavy snow. Manali-Rohtang stretch has also closed for vehicular movement.
The snowfall, the third spell in a week, has forced residents of Lahaul to stay indoors amid the bone-chilling cold. Manali-Rohtang highway has blocked after nearly 20cm of snowfall at Rohtang pass. Manali-Spiti highway is also blocked while Manali-Leh highway is blocked beyond Atal tunnel. The north portal of the tunnel, the new snow point for tourists, has received 15cm of snow. Baralacha pass on Manali-Leh highway has also received over 30cm of snow.
The Lahaul valley is covered with a thick blanket of snow that has blocked all major and link roads. District headquarters Keylong has received 20cm snow. Jispa and Darcha have experienced over 25cm of snowfall.
Atal tunnel has proved savior for residents of Lahaul as it has kept valley connected with Manali. However, vehicular movement is not being allowed beyond the north portal of the tunnel due to safety reasons. Many vehicles from Ladakh including vehicles carrying essential supply to Ladakh have stuck in Manali and Lahaul. the highway is expected to open in two days. BRO has started removing snow towards Baralacha pass and Sarchu.
The residents had not expected such snowfall as thin clouds were hovering over the sky on Sunday evening. The weather changed suddenly in the night time and it started snowing which continued on Monday. Snow started accumulating fast with large snowflakes. The traffic was stopped by the police after vehicles started slipping on the snow.
Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Pankaj Rai said Manali-Keylong-Leh highway, Keylong-Spiti road and internal roads of Lahaul are blocked with snow. “Vehicles are being stopped at north portal of Atal tunnel. Vehicles are not being allowed to come towards Kunzum pass from Losar in Spiti. Depending on weather conditions, the vehicles can be allowed to move in Lahaul on Tuesday,” he said.
Kullu police had restricted movement of vehicles to Gulaba check post as it was dangerous to move towards Rohtang pass.
Manali SDM Raman Gharsangi said highway till Atal tunnel is open and tourists are being allowed to go till north portal of the tunnel in Lahaul. “Driving beyond tunnel is risky due to the thick layer of snow. Tourists and other vehicles are not being allowed to go to Rohtang beyond Gulaba,” he said.
While it was snowing heavily in Lahaul and higher reaches of Kullu, the lower parts of Kullu district including Manali witnessed thundershowers and hailstorms. The black clouds were hovering over Lahaul valley and parts of Kullu, it was sunny day in rest parts of the state. The maximum day temperature at Keylong was recorded at 7.6 degrees Celsius, the temperature at lower areas exceeded 25 degrees C with Una recording highest temperature in the state at 31 degrees C.
The residents of Lahaul had not expected heavy snowfall without prior weather warning. While some residents were happy to see good snowfall in the beginning of the winter season, the snowfall on apple crop has disheartened the growers.
Updated on 18 September, 2020
Ladakh comes 46km closer to Manali
Ladakh will come 46km close to Manali, reducing travel time by three hours, as 9.02km-long Atal Tunnel, Rohtang (Rohtang Tunnel) is expected to be inaugurated by end of September by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tunnel will not only provide relief to the people of tribal areas along this highway but also will facilitate military in the supply of the essentials to borders in less time.
The current distance between Manali and Leh is 474km. While light vehicles take 14 to 16 hours to cover this distance through hundreds of hairpin bends, high passes and deep valleys, heavy goods vehicles take three to four days in this adventurous journey. The tunnel will bypass Rohtang pass, reducing the distance by about 46km and cut short travel time by three to four hours. Sometimes, vehicles take five to six hours to negotiate the Rohtang area during peak tourist season when heavy traffic jams the Manali-Rohtang highway.
The Atal Tunnel project management on Friday said that lighting of the tunnel and civil works have finished and final finishing touch and cleaning works are underway which will complete well before the inauguration of the tunnel by PM Narendra Modi.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and private stakeholders involved in building of the tunnel are extremely happy these days as one of the most challenging engineering tasks has been accomplished. The officials are now taking care of paint and other finishing works. The tunnel is illuminating with thousands of bulbs and electrical signages.
The waste materials are being plush out of the tunnel and its portals are being decorated. New signages showing distance of various destinations are being put up. As a rehearsal of welcoming PM Modi, led scrolling boards inside tunnel are displaying “BRO welcomes honourable PM Shri Narendra Modi”.
A BRO spokesperson said, “We are working 24 hours a day to ensure that cleaning works and finishing touch of the tunnel complete before inaugural ceremony. BRO has been in news for having foraged forward strategic connectivity to our sensitive borders in a speedy manner. This is a proud moment for BRO and all those associated with the prestigious tunnel project.”
PM Modi is expected to visit the tunnel for its inauguration by end of this month. BRO and Himachal government are making all required preparations to welcome him. Two helipads on either side of the tunnel and the approach roads to the tunnel have been repaired. The Prime Minister Office has to finalise a date of his visit.
The Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Harpal Singh visited the tunnel to review the ongoing works at least four times recently. Despite all odds of lockdown and keeping all works shut for nearly a month, the final works inside the tunnel had completed well within the deadline of September when PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit the tunnel for the inauguration.
The tunnel, which was expected to be ready for traffic in 2015, faced many unexpected geological challenges that delayed its completion. The engineers last year had set a new deadline of September 2020. The work was again hit after the lockdown but soon came back on the track. The engineers are working day and night to compensate for the past losses and meet the new deadline. PM Modi has many times expressed his wish to visit Manali to inaugurate the tunnel.
The foundation stone of the Atal Rohtang Tunnel was laid on June 28, 2010. Once completed in September, this tunnel at average elevation of 10,040ft will be the longest highway tunnel of the world at this altitude. The tunnel will provide an easy access for military to reach Ladakh and will also ensure all-weather connectivity to tribal Lahaul valley. The most advanced highway tunnel of the country, Atal tunnel will become a tourist attraction. Tourists travelling on Manali-Leh highway will have option to choose from Rohtang pass or Atal tunnel route.
Updated on 25 June 2020
Manali-Leh Highway opens as BRO repairs Brandy Nala bridge
Update on 18 May 2020
Manali-Leh highway opens after six months
Having remained blanketed by 10 to 50ft deep snow and ice since November, the strategically important Manali-Leh highway has reopened after Border Roads Organization (BRO) cleared snow from 474-km-long highway on Monday.
A BRO official said snow from 222-km-long Manali-Sarchu stretch has been removed by General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) under project Deepak. The Sarchu-Leh stretch was already cleared of the snow by another company of the GREF under project Himank which has its headquarter in Leh. Snow from Baralcha pass was also cleared on Monday.
Now snow from the entire highway is cleared nine fuel tankers went to Leh from Lahaul on Monday. The trucks have successfully crossed over to Ladakh from Himachal. Project Deepak chief engineer Brig MS Baghi and 38 Border Road Task Force (38 BRTF) commander Col Uma Shankar are also camping near Baralacha to supervise the works.
Col Uma Shankar said the jawans had to clear snow from most of the stretches multiple times as frequent spells of snowfall were undoing their hard work. “Our jawans, machine operators and engineers worked under extreme weather conditions. Frequent spells of snowfall, avalanches, extreme cold weather and deep snow made snow clearance very challenging. Our works in isolated areas with existing jawans continued even during lockdown. Jawans had to cut through 10 to 50ft of snow. Finally the highway is restored,” he said.
A safe route for Indian Army to supply essentials to Ladakh and a paradise for travellers, this highway makes its way through four major mountain passes — Rohtang pass (13,050ft), Baralacha pass (16,050ft), Lachulung-la (16,600ft) and Taglang-la (17,480ft) which remain covered with snow for most of the time of year.
Removing snow from Rohtang and Baralacha is more difficult than other passes due to unstable and loose strata, steep mountain faces, frequent landslides and avalanches, more moisture and more snowfall. The military convoy will start using the highway very soon but unfortunately, civilian movement on the highway will remain prohibited due to coronavirus scare.
A tele-operated dozer that is recently developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai helped BRO in accomplishing the task without human loss. The driverless remotely operated dozer was pressed into service at avalanche-prone areas.
A new Italian made snow-blower “Fresia” that removes double the amount of the snow than conventional snow cutter machines and which is more heavy, stable and has larger auger also helped BRO in achieving the target in mid-May.
Last year Manali-Leh highway had opened to vehicular traffic on June 9. The official snow clearance operation on the highway had started on February 20. The operation was started in multiple stages. For the first time, two teams of BRO were advancing towards Baralacha from either side of the pass with the purpose of accomplishing the operation in less time.
Defence ministry is building tunnels below all the passes to make this highway all-weather. This highway being strategically safer than Srinagar-Leh road, the military gives preference to it. This road has become favourite among adventure enthusiasts due to high passes, deep valleys and hundreds of hairpin bends, sudden changes in landscapes. It has also become a lifeline for tribal people of Lahaul and Ladakh.
Update on 15 May 2020
Manali-Leh highway to open before May 20, but only for military
The Manali-Leh highway, which is expected to open before May 20, will remain closed for all kind of civilian movement except military movement due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The highway, according to BRO officials, is expected to open on Monday or Tuesday.
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has put its all strength to clear snow from Manali-Leh highway. Snow from three major passes — Rohtang pass (13,050ft), Lachulung-la (16,600ft) and Taglang-la (17,480ft) — has been removed by jawans of project Deepak and project Himank of BRO. The project Himank, which maintains the highway from Leh to Sarchu, has already cleared the snow. But the real challenge is to clear snow from Manali-Sarchu stretch which receives more snow. The jawans are not removing snow from the last mountain pass — Baralacha pass (16,050ft).
A BRO official said this is for the first time that two teams are advancing towards Baralacha pass from either side. “We had made two attack points from both sides of the pass which receives heavy snowfall. The highway is deep inside the snow. Inclement weather conditions in most of the days of April month didn’t allow us to work smoothly. Finally, we are close to opening the highway,” he said.
Ladakh is connected with Himachal via Leh-Manali and Padum-Manali roads. Both the roads are lying closed since October last year following very heavy snowfall and are expected to open in a few days. The Manali-Leh highway is frequently used by people from Ladakh, tourists and Indian Army. The newly built Padum – Manali road will be used by people from Zanskar in Kargil district to come to Lahaul and Kullu.
Lahaul-Spiti district, which shares its boundary with union territory of Ladakh, is preparing to regulate traffic on the highways to keep the Covid-19 out. Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Kinnaur, the three districts of Himachal, have so far managed to keep coronavirus out. Ladakh, where 42 people have been tested positive for Covid-19, directly connects with Lahaul and then with Kullu district. The Lahaul-Spiti administration has written to Leh and Kargil administrations to avoid sending civilians towards Himachal.
Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner KK Saroch said Manali-Leh highway will open in a week while Manali-Darcha-Padum road is expected to open within two weeks. “I have written to Leh and Kargil administration not to send civilians including locals and tourist without reason from these roads. Besides Darcha, police posts will be established at Sarchu on Manali-Leh highway and Shinkula on Darcha-Padum road,” he said.
The Manali-Leh highway is mostly used by Indian Army. The army convoys transport essential supplies to border areas of Ladakh from this road which is considered safer than Srinagar-Leh road. The DC said that road will remain open for all kind of military movement.
Update on April 28, 2020
Rohtang pass opens for vehicular traffic
The 13,050ft high Rohtang pass, the popular tourist destination that was closed since mid-November following the snowfall, has been declared opened as Border Roads Organization (BRO) cleared snow from the pass on Tuesday.
After opening Manali-Rohtang-Keylong stretch, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) is now concentrating on opening of the Keylong-Sarchu stretch of the Manali-Leh highway. Two teams of BRO jawans are moving towards 16,051ft high Baralacha pass from either side of the pass. The Manali-Leh highway is now expected to open by mid-May. Unfortunately, the tourists will not be able to visit Rohtang pass and Ladakh for the next few weeks until Covid-19 crisis is over.
With mighty Rohtang pass opened for vehicular traffic, first batch of 52 vehicles carrying 293 people crossed over to Lahaul valley from Manali. All the passengers were farmers who wanted to reach home for farming activities. With this, Lahaul valley has also reconnected with rest of the world after five months. Hundreds of farmers who have stuck in Kullu and other parts of the state have been permitted to enter Lahaul-Spiti district where sowing season has started. Before this, 98 farmers had entered the valley on Saturday after walking for 3km across the Rohtang as snow clearing work on this stretch was continuing.
The people are undergoing medical check-up before and after traversing Rohtang pass. Five farmers, who were found medically unfit, were sent back to Kullu on Saturday. The labourers and non-residents are not being allowed to enter the valley. The vehicles from Kullu were allowed to go till Rohtang pass from where passengers were shifted to other vehicles that came from Lahaul.
According to officials, an incident of the avalanche was reported between Rahni nullah and Marhi on Tuesday and it took over one hour to clear the debris. The freshly opened road with high walls of snow on both sides is still dangerous for vehicular movement. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has stationed its machinery at Rohtang to deal with any situation. BRO has to keep clearing snow from the highway as avalanches and blizzards often block the highway.
The BRO officials claimed that its jawans equipped with snow cutting machines were moving towards Rohtang from Manali and Lahaul sides and both the teams have met at the pass. According to sources, the snow from Manali-Rohtang-Keylong stretch was removed on Saturday but the vehicular movement was allowed on Tuesday after road was made safe for movement.
Unlike previous years when official snow clearance operations on Manali-Leh highway used to start in March, BRO had for the first time started this operation on February 20, almost a month in advance. However, inclement weather conditions did not allow it to open Rohtang early as was planned by officials. In 2018, Rohtang pass was opened on April 5. It was opened on May 18 last year when the region had experienced very heavy snowfall.
Opening of Rohtang pass has brought both cheers and challenges to residents and administration. The Lahaul has no Covid-19 patient or suspect so far as the entire valley, which was cut off from rest of the nation since mid November, was naturally quarantined. Now that road to the valley is open, the administration will have to put extra effort to keep the coronavirus out of the valley. However, opening of the road will facilitate in transportation of the essential supplies and medical emergencies. However, road opening did not bring smile to hoteliers as there is no tourist to visit the pass.
38 Border Road Task Force (38 BRTF) commander Col Uma Shankar said Rohtang pass has been opened. “Our jawans continued working while following social distancing and other safety protocols. We faced blizzards, snowfall and extreme cold temperature. The avalanches at Rahni nullah, Rahlafall and Beas nullah posed challenges before us and affected the progress. Facing all challenges, the road is now open,” he said.
The Lahaul valley had cut off from rest of the world since mid November. BRO kept clearing snow till December 12 but only a few vehicles could traverse the dangerous pass. According to officials, outsiders including labourers will not be allowed to enter the valley. The tribals living in Kullu and other parts will be allowed to use the road after undergoing medical examination before and after crossing Rohtang pass.
Two teams of BRO are now concentrating on opening of the Keylong-Sarchu stretch of Manali-Leh highway. If weather remains favourable, the Manali-Leh highway can be opened to traffic by mid-May.
Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Harpal Singh said Rohtang pass has opened three weeks in advance compared to last year and Manali-Leh highway will be opened very soon. “Local minister Dr Ram Lal Markanda and food and civil supplies secretary had approached me on April 11 asking to expedite the snow clearance to facilitate return of farmers to the valley and movement of essential supplies and relief material in wake of Covid-19. Now this road will help Centre and Himachal government to bring much needed relief material and medical supplies for local population,” he said.
Update on February 20, 2020
Official snow clearance operations start on Manali-Leh highway
The snow clearance operations on Manali-Leh highway have started after Border Roads Organization (BRO) on Thursday performed traditional puja near Rahla fall above Gulaba, 25km from Manali, for the safety of its jawans and machines. Similar puja was conducted at Darcha in Lahaul valley on Wednesday.
Currently two teams – one towards Baralacha pass and one towards Rohtang pass — are engaged in snow clearing operations. Last year the puja to start snow clearance officially had started on March 25, but this year the snow clearance has begun a month in advance thanks to pleasant weather and rise in temperature. Chief engineer of Project Deepak of BRO Brig MS Baghi, 38 Border Road Task Force commander Col Uma Shankar performed the puja near Rahla fall, about 25km from here, in presence of other officials and jawans. The puja is performed for the safety of jawans and machines.
Col Uma Shankar said currently three units of jawans are working on different locations. “A unit is moving towards Baralacha pass. Second unit is moving towards Rohtang pass from Manali side. Another unit will start moving towards Rohtang from Koksar side in the next week and we have started shifting machineries to Koksar where temperature is too low. We are planning to move fourth unit from Sarchu towards Baralacha. Jawans at each site are equipped with two dozer, two snow cutter, two excavators and one or two JCB machines.”
The lower regions of Rohtang have 3 to 10ft of snow depth and it is 10 to 20ft at avalanche-hit and shady zones. The temperature in the region is still too low. The snow from nearly 12km stretch between Kothi and Rahla has already been removed by jawans. Many avalanches have hit the highway which is going to be a major challenge to clear. Once the Manali-Sarchu stretch is connected, the traffic will move on Manali-Leh highway. After opening of this strategically important highway, BRO will concentrate on opening of Kunzum pass.
Baghi added that even after opening of the Rohtang tunnel for general traffic movement this year, BRO will continue to maintain Rohtang pass which otherwise would be bypassed by most travellers.
16,050ft high Baralacha, where snow depth is more than Rohtang pass, is the highest point between Manali and Sarchu and always remains the challenge before engineers. While Baralacha pass receives more snow, maintaining Rohtang pass is technically very difficult. The 222km-long stretch of the Manali-Leh highway till Sarchu receive very heavy snow in winter months. BRO maintains this stretch under its Project Deepak.
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Manali-Leh highway may open a month in advance
After performing puja on Thursday to start snow clearance operations to open Rohtang pass road, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) officials said both Rohtang and Baralacha would be thrown open for vehicular traffic a month in advance.
“We are expecting to open the highway till Sarchu at least one month in advance. However, it will totally depend on weather conditions in coming days as heavy snowfall may slow down the works. We cannot predict an exact deadline. We shall work hard to resume traffic in May. The new machines are giving double output which is helping us a lot,” Brig MS Baghi said.
BRO uses tele-operated dozer prototype to clear avalanches
To ensure the safety of dozer operators and helpers who are often hit by avalanches and slides, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) is using a tele-operated dozer that is recently developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai.
The unmanned dozer prototype, which can be operated manually also, is on its trial on Manali-Rohtang highway. The mechanism is working perfectly so far. The dozer is clearing snow beyond Gulaba towards Rohtang pass. It can be operated remotely from distance of 500m. The machine is put on remote operation mode if BRO engineers think that working on a particular stretch of the road involves risk to life of the operator.
Brig MS Baghi, chief engineer of Project Deepak of BRO, said the prototype is on its trial. “The mechanism has been developed by CVRDE, the Chennai based laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). We shall use the technology for the safety of our jawans. If there is any avalanche site or snow sliding point, the unmanned dozer will minimize the risk of loss to human life,” he said.
Besides tele-operated dozer, BRO has bought an Italian made snow-blower “Fresia” which removes double the amount of snow than the conventional snow cutter machines. Costing about Rs 3cr, the machine is heavy, stable and has larger auger with more clearing width. The machine blows off snow up to more than 50ft away from the road.
Baghi added that the organization is taking advantage of both the machines and can clear snow from Rohtang pass and Baralacha very soon. “Once the snow is cleared from Manali-Rohtang-Koksar stretch, we may send the machines to help the teams at Baralacha pass.”
.. Continue reading to get updates on Manali Leh Highway Status 2020
Update on February 18, 2020
BRO starts snow clearance on Manali-Leh highway
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has started snow clearance operations on the strategically important Manali-Leh highway for the first time in February. The official snow clearing task in multi stages will start in a few days, an official said.
The official snow clearance on the highway generally starts in March month after worship at Gulaba, 23km from here. Aiming early opening of the highway for vehicular movement, the BRO officials said if everything goes right, they will start clearing snow officially from February 20. The 38 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) is responsible for clearing snow between Manali and Sarchu, the toughest part of the highway.
38 BRTF commander Col Uma Shankar said, “We have already started clearing snow from Kothi towards Rohtang pass. The traditional puja for the safety of jawans and machines is scheduled for February 20. The exact date is still to be finalized,” he said.
Taking advantage of the dry weather conditions, the BRO jawans have cleared snow till Gulaba and its machines are advancing towards Marhi below Rohtang pass. The highway in Lahaul valley is also cleared of snow. To finish the task in time, two teams will advance towards Rohtang pass from both sides while another team will move towards Sarchu.
The machines are cutting 3 to 5ft of snow at Gulaba. Snow accumulation at some places on the highway is expected to be more than 30ft. The avalanches may also have damaged the highway at some places. The 274km-long Manali-Leh highway opens to traffic in end of the May every year.
Update on December 27, 2019
Rescue posts removed from both sides of Rohtang pass
The two rescue posts established on either side of Rohtang pass along Manali-Leh highway to monitor movement of vehicles and pedestrians in the area have been closed on Friday, an official told Discover Leh Ladakh.
The Rohtang pass is closed for both pedestrians and vehicular movement and the Manali-Keylong highway will open in April or May next year. The pass is covered with over 10ft deep snow, making it impossible for people to traverse it. So, both rescue posts from Marhi in Manali and Koksar in Lahaul have been shut for few months.
Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner KK Saroch said the posts have been shut and the staff has returned back to their offices. “People, including tourists, have been advised not to risk life by attempting to traverse Rohtang pass on foot. Nobody will be available in the region to help them in case of emergency. The road is already blocked with snow,” he said.
Both the posts would be re-established at the end of the winter when Rohtang pass would become safe for pedestrians. The staff at both the posts will help people in crossing the pass safely. The posts will then remain functional until traffic movement on Manali-Leh highway becomes safe and regular. Each post is manned with mountaineers, rescue experts, police, medical expert, radio operator and cook.
Keep visiting this page to get fresh updates on Manali Leh Highway Status 2020
Update on December 09, 2019
BRO jawans risk life at Rohtang; face avalanches, blizzards
Covered with several feet of snow, the Rohtang area on Manali-Leh highway is badly hit by avalanches and blizzards which are posing great threat to the lives of a large number of jawans of Border Roads Organization (BRO) working here.
Tourists want to experience the daunting road journey on Manali-Leh highway but they don’t know how difficult it is to maintain this highway. And how BRO struggles to clear snow from the highway which remains blocked between November and May every year. While Keylong-Leh stretch of the highway is completely blocked till next summer season, BRO is trying to keep the Manali-Keylong stretch open as long as possible for the convenience of the residents of the area.
Nobody dares to go close to Rohtang pass in winters after heavy snowfall as the pass is notorious for killing a large number of people due to its extreme weather. Rahni nullah area near Rohtang has been hit by multiple avalanches. The blizzards during day and night are so mighty that they even push the heavy machines like snow cutters. The temperature here has dipped below minus 20 degrees C and high velocity winds are making it difficult for jawans to stand stable at one place.
BRO released a similar video footage of Sunday night when blizzards are pushing away a snow cutter and the jawans are trying to secure the expensive machine with help of an earth mover machine.
In effort to provide relief to residents of Lahaul valley who have stuck in their villages since November 25 after Rohtang tunnel was closed for vehicular traffic, 38 Border Road Task Force (38 BRTF) of BRO has taken it as a challenge to clear snow from the area of over 60km including the pass to connect the valley with Manali by the only available road. The officials said they cleared snow from Manali-Rohtang-Keylong stretch on Monday evening and one vehicle successfully crossed over to other side of the Rohtang pass. They suspect overnight blizzards may again block the road.
“We work under the threat of avalanche, landslide, blizzards and hypothermia. We follow all the safety measures but we feel like being at the mercy of mighty and invincible mountains. We eat cold meal and drink cool tea as hot stuffs freeze to ice in seconds here. Machine operators are at the maximum risk who do not know exact axis of the road covered with snow. Collapsing of high walls of snow due to tremors generated by machines is normal thing here. We try to keep ourselves warm to avoid from getting frozen,” an official said.
Had blizzards not covered the cleared road again and again, BRO would have connected Lahaul and Rohtang with Manali long back. This is for the first time that BRO is clearing snow from Rohtang multiple times after each spell of heavy snowfall. Otherwise, snow clearing operations used to stop till March.
38 BRTF commander Colonel Uma Shankar said avalanches near the pass wasted their precious time. “High velocity winds bring snow with them and cover the road again and again. We are once again clearing snow from the road which we had cleared last week. Hopefully we shall give green signal to civil administration by Tuesday so that they can allow traffic,” he said.
BRO has cleared snow from the pass many times since October but fresh spell of snowfall undo their efforts. A large number of vehicles are waiting for a green signal from the organization. However, another spell of snowfall from Thursday onwards may again block the highway as predicted by meteorological centre, Shimla. While rescue posts on either sides of the pass are not allowing pedestrians to go towards Rohtang due to life-threatening conditions, it will be very difficult for vehicles to move on frozen surface and avoid accident.
However, administration will continue to restrict tourist movement to Gulaba due to security reasons. As there is prediction for heavy snowfall from December 11 to 14, the entire Manali-Leh road is expected to be covered under thick blanket of snow.
Manali-Leh highway, in no circumstances, can open for vehicular traffic before May end. So, tourists are advised not to book the tour (the road trip between Manali and Ladakh) in May 2020.
Keep visiting this page to get fresh updates on Manali Leh Highway Status 2020
Update on November 21, 2019
Nine tankers dare to supply fuel to Lahaul; one stranded at Rohtang
While no vehicle is daring to ply frozen Manali-Rohtang highway and when all oil companies refused to ferry diesel for Border Road Organization (BRO), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd sent its nine oil tankers to Lahaul, of which one has stranded at Rohtang pass.
Active blizzards and continuing fresh snowfall has covered the highway with thick layer of snow. BRO was in dire need of diesel to stock at its Stingri and Udaipur stations so that its machines keep working in winter season. According to officials, they contacted all the companies to supply them fuel but all refused. Finally, Indian Oil Corp Ltd agreed to send its nine bowsers.
“Eight bowsers successfully crossed Rohtang pass over to Lahaul valley on Wednesday but one has stuck in snow near Rohtang pass,” 38 Border Road Task Force commander Col Uma Shankar said. He added that Indian Oil Corporation, despite knowning rough weather conditions at Rohtang, helped the organization in the national interest. I personally congratulated its officials and the courageous drivers,” he said.
The Manali-Keylong highway has again blocked due to fresh snowfall at Rohtang pass. BRO has cleared snow from the highway multiple times after snowfall in last few days but another spell of snowfall blocks it. A large number of vehicles, mostly trucks ferrying apple from Lahaul to Kullu, had stranded in Lahaul for a long time which were evacuated on Wednesday. Taking precautionary measures, traffic movement towards Rohtang has been stopped. BRO will try to evacuate stranded bowser after weather condition improves.
Although snow from Darcha-Baralacha-Sarchu stretch along Ladakh highway will be cleared next year after onset of summer season, BRO will keep clearing snow from highway in Lahaul valley for the convenience of the local residents. For this, the organization stocks enough fuel in advance. In case of emergency, the fuel is transported with help of chopper.
Manali Leh Highway Status 2020
Update on November 11, 2019
Snow cleared from Manali-Rohtang-Keylong road
The 38 Border Road Task Force commander Col Uma Shankar informed that his jawans and machines have cleared snow from Rohtang pass on Monday late evening and administration, depending on weather conditions, can allow traffic on the road.
“My jawans worked till late nights and reconnected Keylong with Manali. Depending on icing of the road, administration may allow traffic anytime. We recommend vehicles with skid chains on tyres and road is slippery at some places due to its icing under extreme cold conditions,” he said.
The Manali-Rohtang-Keylong highway was closed for vehicular traffic after very heavy snowfall on Rohtang pass on Thursday. Rohtang pass is covered with over 100cm of snow. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) had moved its jawans and snow clearing machines on Friday. At some places highway was covered under over 150cm of snow.
As it is apple harvesting season in Lahaul valley, a large number of produce has stuck in the valley. Hundreds of people are also waiting to cross Rohtang pass to reach their destination before the valley cuts off for six months in winters. Providing relief to people, BRO has decided to keep clearing snow from the highway as long as it will be possible for them. However, Keylong-Leh (Ladakh) stretch has blocked with snow for the entire winter season and traffic movement on the link will be possible in next summer season.
Meanwhile, tourist movement from Manali side is restricted to Gulaba for safety reasons. According to sources, if the snow line recedes, tourists can be allowed to go up to Marhi and then Rohtang pass in next few days. Tourist movement on Manali-Leh highway is completely restricted and is possible after June 2020.
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Update on November 07, 2019
Heavy snowfall blocks Manali-Keylong-Leh highway
Heavy snowfall in parts of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts left traffic interrupted in many major roads including Manali-Rohtang-Keylong highway, while over 300 tourists stranded near Gulaba below Rohtang pass on Thursday.
Manali-Keylong and Keylong-Leh highways have again closed after heavy snowfall. Rohtang pass has received over 100cm of fresh snow in two days. Over 120cm of snow on Baralacha pass has blocked Keylong-Sarchu-Leh road as well. Heavy snowfall on Kunzum pass has blocked Gramphoo-Kaza (Spiti) road. The high hills of Mandi district including Shikari hills have also received snow.
Solang valley and Kothi near Manali have experienced season’s first snowfall. Both places have received nearly 10cm of snow. Entire Lahaul valley is also covered with a thin layer of white blanket. Jalori pass in Kullu district that connects Anni and Nirmand sub-divisions with the headquarters has also witnessed season’s first snowfall, blocking the highway.
According to Border Roads Organization (BRO) official, major parts of the Manali-Sarchu-Leh highway along Ladakh axis have received heavy snow but they shall clear snow soon after weather is clear.
38 Border Road Task Force (38 BRTF) commander Col Uma Shankar said chief engineer of Project Deepak of BRO visited the important locations on Sumdo-Gramphoo and Manali-Sarchu highways and reviewed the preparedness of snow clearance activities on Wednesday. “He motivated jawans to keep working under inhospitable circumstances. The roads are blocked due to heavy snow. We recommend using skid chains in the tyres as road surface has become too slippery. The road will be cleared after snowfall stops,” he added.
Hundreds of tourists had reached Gulaba and Kothi to see snowfall on Thursday morning. As it was snowing fast, tourists were asked to descend down to Kothi. Ignoring warning, many tourists stayed below Gulaba. Some tourists walked along the highway towards Gulaba. Later vehicles started slipping on the road and they got stranded. After getting news about tourists getting stranded, local administration, police and rescue volunteers rushed to Gulaba to carry out relief operation. All tourists were brought back to Manali by late evening.
Manali sub-divisional magistrate Raman Gharsangi said tourists were not allowed to go beyond Gulaba on Thursday but some tourists were reported to have stranded below Gulaba. “The road had become very slippery. The tourists were brought to safe place with help of police, taxi union and other volunteers. Situation is under control,” he said.
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Update on November 03, 2019
Snowfall blocks Manali-Leh highway
November 03, 2019: The Manali-Rohtang-Leh highway has been blocked for vehicular movement after fresh snowfall at Rohtang pass and Baralacha pass on Sunday. The road to Leh has closed completely for the season.
The passes have received over 15cm of snow since morning. Hundreds of tourists had thronged Rohtang to enjoy fresh snowfall. As snow continued accumulating on the road and vehicles started slipping on it, police asked all tourists to move down to Marhi. Taking precautionary measures, traffic movement has been restricted to Gulaba check post, 23km from Manali.
With this, the traffic to Lahaul valley has also been affected. A large number of vehicles going to Lahaul got stuck in jam at Rohtang where tourist vehicles had blocked the highway. They had to wait for all vehicles to clear the area. The highway is expected to open on Monday.
Many villages in Lahaul including Darcha and Koksar also received some snow on Sunday. The high hills including Baralacha have received snow. Ignoring the advisory from Lahaul-Spiti administration, a few people are still driving on Manali-Leh highway which is frozen at many places. Sources said that some vehicles that had left for Leh from Manali have stuck in Lahaul.
According to meteorological department, more snowfall is in store for high hills of Himachal Pradesh from Wednesday onwards. Rohtang pass and Baralacha are expected to receive more snow next week.
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Manali-Leh highway closes for six months
October 24, 2019: The Manali-Leh highway, which passes through some of the highest mountain passes of the world, has closed officially and will open for vehicular movement in May or June next year. However, the traffic on Manali-Keylong road will continue until heavy snowfall blocks the highway.
While Lahaul-Spiti district administration and the police have advised people not to risk life by driving on slippery Keylong-Leh road, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) said it will keep the Manali-Leh highway open as long as it is possible.
The snow and ice have started to cover the road surface between Darcha and Leh, posing threat to the vehicles. The police posts from Sarchu, the mid-point of the highway, have already been removed. The Darcha post has also been removed on October 15. The BRO will start removing its machines from the higher areas after the snowfall. BRO official said the road is still open and Military convoy from Leh are coming towards Manali.
While BRO said road is still open, there would be nobody to help travellers in case of emergency. The Darcha-Leh road is declared officially closed after October 15 while Manali -Darcha stretch is declared closed on November 15 every year.
Lahaul-Spiti police said Sarchu and Chandertal police posts were removed on September 15 and now Darcha post has also been shut. “The posts are shut as per the manuals every year. The Darcha-Sarchu road has become slippery under extreme cold conditions. We have advised people not to put life in danger. Though traffic on Manali-Lahaul stretch is still operational, people have been asked not to drive in the night time and during bad weather conditions,” police said.
Officially closure of the highway means driving on the road is unsafe and no government agency will be responsible for any mishap happening after ignoring the advisory. The BRO will not clear snow from Darcha-Sarchu stretch now onwards but it will continue with other road building and maintenance works as long weather allows. Once the entire stretch of Manali-Leh highway is covered with thick layer of snow, the snow clearance operation on the road will start from March 1, 2020. Generally Manali-Leh highway opens in late May or early June every year after snow from the stretch is removed.
The Manali-Spiti road too has become very dangerous at Kunzum pass. The Manali-Lahaul road which is a lifeline for the people of Lahaul valley will remain open until heavy snowfall blocks it again.
Rohtang pass, Baralalacha, Sarchu, Taglangla and other high altitude areas along the highway may experience very heavy snowfall anytime and can leave travellers stranded without help. The passes can receive over 30cm of snow within an hour due to strong winds. The area is reeling under sub-zero temperature and all moisture on road surface has turned into slippery ice.
We have started this post for the help of the tourists who seek to get updates on Manali Leh Highway Status 2020. We shall update this page regularly.
CLICK HERE to know the Manali-Leh road status for 2021
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Disclaimer: The date of opening of Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highway is not determined by anybody as it totally depends on weather conditions. Opening of these highways totally depend on intensity of snowfall in winter months, weather during clearing of snow, more snowfall in April and May months, temperature and many other aspects. Discover Leh Ladakh does not guarantee the accuracy of date of opening of the highway. This is just an estimation made as per inputs from BRO and sight visit by our own team members.
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