On Monday, a tragic incident took place on the Shimla-Chandigarh Highway, or National Highway 5. A major landslide occurred on the highway, further blocking the route at Datyar. And this has caused an inconvenience for travellers and commuters. So, here is an alternative traffic plan on the Shimla-Chandigarh Highway introduced by the Solan police.
Alternative Traffic Plan On The Shimla-Chandigarh Highway
For commuters using the Shimla-Solan-Chandigarh highway, the Solan police have developed a traffic plan. Chandigarh commuters are advised to utilise the Kala Amb-Nahan-Sarahan road, which connects to NH-5 at Kumarhatti. It has been suggested that light vehicles travelling from Chandigarh take the Parwanoo-Jangeshu-Kasauli route to get to Dharampur on the NH-5.
To get to the Shimla-Totu highway, they can also take the Kalu Jhandu-Barotiwala-Chandi-Kunihar route. However, to get to Kunihar, all vehicles are required to follow the Dherowal-Nalagarh-Ramshehar-Kunihar road. According to Solan SP Gaurav Singh, travellers going to and from Shimla should use these routes while repairs are being made to the Parwanoo-Dharampur road.
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However, these arterial roads have suffered enough damage due to the landslide. Furthermore, Kasauli roads are clogged with traffic! As for the Parwanoo-Dharampur, only a single lane is open through which limited vehicles can pass through it.
Landslide On The National Highway 5
According to reports, the landslide had occurred due to heavy rain and blocked the highway. However, the traffic was resumed but only for smaller vehicles. The majority of other roads were closed for vehicles, besides the Shimla-Chandigarh Highway.
The important bridge on National Highway 5, which connects Pinjore and Baddi, was damaged as a result of the severe rain, which also impeded traffic flow. Along the Chandigarh-Shimla highway, near the industrial Parwanoo town, the mudslide washed away vehicles.
Rail service on the Shimla-Kalka line was delayed till Tuesday, according to officials, since landslides have obstructed the track at multiple locations. On Monday and Tuesday, schools throughout the state were ordered to be shut down.
In the Shimla district, more than 120 highways are blocked, and 484 water supply projects were affected according to an official.
Also Read: Landslide Alert: Authorities Have Closed Manali-Leh Highway And Routes To Atal Tunnel!
So, if you are taking this highway, be sure to take note of these routes.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia