Traffic restored through mighty Rohtang Pass

Our Correspondent

Kullu, December 21

The vehicular traffic through the 13,050 feet high Rohtang Pass was restored with the help of the Border Roads Organisation today, allowing the evacuation of remaining vehicles stranded since December 13, after the region experiencedheavy snowfall.

RS Rao, Executive Engineer of the Rohtang Tunnel Project, said 68 personnel engaged in the construction of the 8.8-km long tunnel at its North Portal near Sissu in Lahaul valley were airlifted in helicopters to Bhang near Manali today.

He said the work at the North Portal would remain suspended for the next three months.

Meanwhile, tourists are making a beeline to Manali, as the popular hill station is set to experience a white Christmas this year. The hoteliers have devised various types of packages to attract tourists, especially honeymooners.

Chaman Lal, a hotelier here, said: “We are receiving a large numbers of bookings for the upcoming Christmas and New Year season.”

Both Kullu and Manali remained plunged in complete darkness for over a week due to breakage of power lines due to recent heavy snowfall, but the road connectivity till Manali was restored within four days enabling revellers to enjoy adventure activities in the snow. Some tourists even waited in Kullu to enjoy snow in Manali.

BS Thakur, vice-president, Manali Hoteliers’ Association, said: “Most of the hoteliers have made appropriate arrangements to cater to the needs of tourists during winters.”

He said the association had requested the Chief Minister to provide at least two snow-cutters and a special force to clear the Kullu-Manali National Highway during winters.

PWD authorities claimed that road connectivity had been restored in most of the interior regions of the district, while massive efforts were on to restore the remaining portions.