Over 100 Vehicles Stuck Between Solang And Atal Tunnel As Fresh Snowfall Attracts Tourists To Manali – News18

Last Updated:December 24, 2024, 08:27 IST

The surge of tourists arriving to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the snow-covered mountains seems to have contributed to the situation

A fresh wave of snowfall has transformed Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla and Manali into picturesque winter wonderlands, attracting tourists eager to soak in the snowy charm. However, the season’s heaviest snowfall has led to huge traffic disruptions in Manali, with over 1,000 vehicles stranded between Solang and Atal Tunnel.

Officials reported that approximately 1,000 vehicles were trapped in a massive traffic jam, prompting police to initiate a rescue operation, relocating around 700 tourists to safety. However, over 100 cars remain stranded.

On Monday, Shimla recorded the season’s second light snowfall, while other regions in the state experienced intermittent rain and snow. Shimla saw 8 cm of snowfall, and Kalpa recorded 7 cm. Some areas in Himachal Pradesh’s lower hills also experienced brief spells of rain, according to the Met Office.

Footage from the scene showed police officers helping travelers and drivers navigate through the snow as it continued to fall. Local authorities coordinated the rescue efforts.

The surge of tourists arriving to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the snow-covered mountains seems to have contributed to the situation.

Earlier, Shimla was covered in a blanket of pristine snow, bringing renewed joy and hope to the city. The snowfall, which began after a two-week hiatus since the first snowfall on December 8, has not only delighted visitors but also revitalized the local tourism industry, which had been struggling to recover from Covid-related losses.

Captivated by the beauty of the snow-covered hills, tourists are extending their stays, making this season a time of celebration and cheer for everyone. This unexpected snowfall has brought excitement to those dreaming of a “White Christmas,” with many tourists, initially planning to leave, deciding to stay longer to enjoy Shimla’s winter charm.

Meanwhile, local businesses, particularly in tourism and hospitality, are optimistic about an extended tourist season and hope to capitalize on this enchanting winter period.

Tourists from across the country are thrilled by the snowfall, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Hemant, a visitor from Rewari, Haryana, shared his excitement after witnessing the snowfall: “The snowfall is such a beautiful sight. The weather is amazing. We didn’t expect this at all, but when we woke up this morning, there was snow. We were planning to leave, but now we’ve decided to stay longer. This is the first snowfall I’ve ever seen, and it’s a lifetime experience for me.”

Pramod Yogi, a tourist from Faridabad, Haryana, expressed his joy as well: “The joy this snowfall has brought is beyond words. Experiencing the stunning beauty of nature for the first time in my life has been amazing. I urge everyone to visit this place and enjoy it. Watching the snowfall has been a thrilling experience, and I would recommend everyone to come here to witness and enjoy it.”

(With ANI inputs)