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Himachal Snowfall Blocks 535 Roads, PWD Deploys 264 Machines for Clearance

Heavy snowfall has led to the closure of 535 roads across Himachal Pradesh, including four National Highways. The Public Works Department has deployed 264 machines, including JCBs and dozers, for large-scale snow clearance operations. An estimated loss of ₹6.03 crore has been reported due to the snowfall, with restoration work prioritized on key routes in Shimla and other affected districts. Officials have been directed to report back to duty immediately to assist in the time-bound restoration efforts.

Key Points: Himachal Snowfall: 535 Roads Closed, PWD Deploys 264 Machines

  • 535 roads closed in Himachal
  • 264 machines deployed for snow clearance
  • ₹6.03 crore estimated loss
  • 4 National Highways among closures
  • Priority restoration on key routes
2 min read

Himachal: 535 roads closed, PWD deploys 264 machines for snow clearance

535 roads, including 4 National Highways, closed in Himachal due to heavy snow. PWD deploys 264 machines for clearance, with ₹6.03 crore estimated loss.

"Officers posted in snow-affected areas and proceeding on leave were also directed to immediately report back to duty. - Public Works Department"

Shimla, January 23

As many as 535 roads, including four National Highways, were closed across Himachal Pradesh due to heavy snowfall, while large-scale snow clearance operations were underway, the Public Works Department said on Friday.

According to an official brief from the state disaster Management Authority, a review meeting on snow clearance was chaired by the Engineer-in-Chief, HPPWD, through video conference with all Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers, directing them to ensure time-bound restoration of roads in snow-affected areas.

The PWD said 264 machines, including 78 departmental JCBs, 128 hired JCBs, 18 robots, 10 dozers and 30 tippers, have been deployed for snow clearance operations across the state. Officers posted in snow-affected areas and proceeding on leave were also directed to immediately report back to duty.

Of the total roads closed, 511 are village roads, 20 major district roads and four National Highways. The department said 199 roads are likely to be reopened by January 23, 104 by January 24, while 232 roads may take longer to restore.

The estimated loss due to snowfall has been pegged at ₹6.03 crore, the department said.

In Shimla city and surrounding areas, heavy machinery has been deployed on key routes including Tutikandi-Mehli, Mehli-Fagu, Fagu-Narkanda and Theog-Kotkhai-Hatkoti National Highway stretches, along with major city roads such as Sanjauli, Lakkar Bazaar, Chhota Shimla, Kasumpti and Shimla-Mandi road.

Several important roads in Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Mandi and Sirmaur districts remain closed, while restoration work is continuing on a priority basis, the PWD said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My cousin is stuck in a village near Theog. They have supplies for now, but this road closure is a yearly nightmare. While the effort is commendable, why isn't there more permanent infrastructure to handle this predictable snowfall? Just clearing it every time feels like a band-aid solution.
A
Aman W
Salute to the ground staff and engineers working in those freezing conditions in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. It's not an easy job at all. Stay safe, everyone on duty!
S
Sarah B
The estimated loss is 6 crore rupees? That seems very low considering 535 roads are closed, including National Highways. The economic impact on tourism, apple transportation, and daily commerce must be much higher. Hope the assessment is accurate.
V
Vikram M
The directive for officers on leave to report back is a strong move. Shows the administration means business. This is how it should be during a crisis - all hands on deck. Fingers crossed for the people in the remote areas.
N
Nisha Z
Most of the closed roads are village roads (511 out of 535). That's the real story. City folks in Shimla get attention, but our villages are completely isolated every winter. Need a special focus on rural connectivity plans.

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