LANDSLIDE CLOSES SHIMLA-KALKA ROAD IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

A landslide on the National Highway 5 (NH-5) in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, has forced the closure of the Shimla-Kalka road. The landslide occurred at Chakki Mor near Koti on the Dharampur-Parwanoo section, causing a 50-meter stretch of the road to cave in.

Traffic has been diverted to alternative routes, including the Kalka-Shimla Railway line and the Manali-Kullu highway. The Himachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (HPSRTC) has also been advised to operate buses on the alternate routes.

The Solan District Magistrate has shut down the Sanwara toll plaza until the highway is repaired.The toll plaza is located on the NH-5, about 10 kilometers from Shimla.The landslide is the latest in a series of landslides that have hit Himachal Pradesh in recent weeks. Heavy rains have caused widespread damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in the state.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rains in Himachal Pradesh in the coming days. The IMD has issued an orange alert for the state, warning of heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places.

The closure of the NH-5 is likely to cause inconvenience to tourists and commuters. The Shimla-Kalka road is a major tourist route and is also used by commuters to travel between Shimla and Chandigarh.The authorities are working to clear the landslide and reopen the highway as soon as possible. However, it is not clear when the highway will be reopened.

In a statement, the HPSRTC said that it has deployed additional buses on the alternate routes to facilitate the movement of passengers. The corporation has also set up helpdesks at various locations to provide assistance to passengers.

The IMD has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and to take precautions in view of the forecast heavy rains. The department has also asked the authorities to be on alert and to take necessary measures to prevent damage to life and property.