Heavy snowfall and continuous rain have brought Himachal Pradesh to a standstill, severely affecting road connectivity across the state. A total of 583 roads, including five national highways, remain blocked due to landslides and snow accumulation. The weather has paralysed daily life, with power cuts, water supply issues, and stranded vehicles becoming the norm in several districts.
Himachal Pradesh Road Closures Bring Life To A Halt
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is completely CLOSED due to multiple landslides and mudslides! Reports suggest that 10 to 15 vehicles have been swept away after portions of the road collapsed! Please stay where you are and avoid any travel on the highway! https://t.co/KtL8j1lfA5 pic.twitter.com/eTtvWQOmWX
— Tahir Peerzada (@TahirPeerzada_) April 20, 2025
Snowfall and continuous rain have severely disrupted road travel in Himachal Pradesh, with 583 roads, including five national highways, currently blocked. The districts of Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, and Kinnaur are among the worst affected, isolating several towns and villages. The closure of these routes has caused significant traffic disruptions, with both local commuters and tourists unable to travel.
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The heavy snowfall in higher altitudes and persistent rain across the region have worsened the situation. Road transport, which is essential for connectivity in this mountainous state, has been heavily impacted, leaving many areas cut off. The weather conditions have also caused several landslides, making it even harder for authorities to clear debris from blocked roads.
Essential Services Disrupted Amid Worsening Weather
Nowcast Warning for Himachal Pradesh
Date/Time of Issue : 2025-04-20 1800 Hrs IST
Valid Upto: 2100 Hrs IST
Red Warning: Moderate rain: 5-15 mm/hr
Severe Thunderstorms with maximum surface
Wind speed 62 -87 kmph (In gusts)
Thunderstorms with HailOrange Warning: Light rain: <… pic.twitter.com/iIxpq71mGy
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) April 20, 2025
Apart from blocked roads, the harsh weather has taken a toll on essential services. As per an update by the Public Works Department, over 2,200 electricity distribution transformers are non-functional. This has left hundreds of homes without power. In addition, 279 water supply schemes have been disrupted, cutting off access to clean water in several areas.
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As reported by The Times of India, repair teams are trying to restore services, but unfavourable weather conditions are delaying their efforts. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors, especially in landslide-prone and flood-risk zones.
Government Urges Caution As Rescue Operations Continue
“Attention all passengers and vehicle owners,
Due to heavy rains last night, the National Highway has been closed. As a result, all Jammu-bound vehicles are not allowed to proceed towards Jammu.
All vehicles heading towards Jammu from Nowgam side are hereby directed to return.
— Traffic City Srinagar. (@SSPTFCSGR) April 20, 2025
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to the public to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. He advised people to stay away from rivers and steep slopes. The government has placed emergency services on high alert and activated control rooms across the state to handle distress calls.
According to The Economic Times, the weather department has forecast more snowfall in the coming days. Officials are monitoring the situation closely, with additional teams deployed to speed up the clearance of blocked roads.
Also Read: Himachal’s Tirthan & Jibhi Lose Tourists Due To Broken Roads And Failing Infrastructure
Himachal Pradesh road closures have created a crisis in the hill state, impacting residents, tourists, and local businesses. As the weather continues to challenge the region, authorities are focusing on restoring normalcy as quickly and safely as possible.
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