Traffic movement regulated on Lahaul-Spiti passes due to snowfall
In a bid to ensure the safety of travellers amid the harsh weather conditions and deposit of frost on roads in Lahaul and Spiti district, the Deputy Commissioner, Rahul Kumar, has announced a regulation on traffic movement on key routes connecting the two valleys. The step has been taken to prevent any untoward incidents during heavy snow accumulation on the roads in the district.
Effective from November 19, the Koksar to Losar road stretch of the Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphu highway, along with the Darcha-Sarchu road stretch of the Manali-Leh highway, and the Darcha-Shinkula road stretch of the Darcha-Shinkula-Padum highway, will face stringent traffic restrictions. The movement of all vehicles will be regulated to ensure safety during extreme cold weather and potential snowstorms.
Under the new guidelines, only security and emergency vehicles, along with local 4x4 vehicles equipped with snow chains, will be allowed to travel on the Koksar to Losar route from 11 am to 1 pm. This restriction applies in both directions, and tourist vehicles will be prohibited from using this route during these hours. The road is considered particularly risky due to snow accumulation and potential black ice, making it unsafe for general traffic.
Meanwhile, travellers will be allowed to use the Darcha-Sarchu and Darcha-Shinkula roads from 8 am to 1 pm. These routes will be open to all vehicles during these hours.
The DC has issued additional safety precautions, urging travellers to avoid stopping unnecessarily along these routes during the designated hours. In the event of rainfall or snowfall, vehicles will not be allowed to pass, and road closures may be enforced for safety reasons. Authorities have also warned that these roads could be completely closed in the coming days if weather conditions worsen.
Hotel and homestay owners have been directed to inform their guests about the ongoing traffic restrictions and weather advisories. "For assistance in case of emergencies, the District Disaster Management Authority can be contacted at the following numbers: 94594-61355, 01900202509, 510, 517 and toll-free: 1077," said the DC.
The DC said tourists are advised to stay in touch with local authorities for real-time updates on road conditions and safety alerts.
