Rohtang pass closed to traffic for 6 months

SHIMLA:THE 13,050-ft high Rohtang pass, gateway to tribal Lahaul and Spiti district, was closed to vehicular traffic for six months on Monday after the region experienced fresh snowfall.

“We have written to the state government about condition of the road. Not only snow but subzero temperature has made road which can lead to accidents,” said Border Road Organisation’s 38 Task Force commander AK Awasthi.

He added that Rohtang pass was experiencing intermittent snow spell since Sunday night.

Following the advisory, Kullu district administration restricted movement of vehicles beyond Gulaba village, 22 km from Manali. Kullu district administration will set up rescue post on either side of the pass at Marhi and Koksar, an official said. Two teams on the two sides will help assist locals who cross over Rohtang during winter months, the official added. Rohtang remains closed for traffic six months a year.

MUGHAL ROAD CLOSES

SRINAGAR: Authorities on Monday ordered closure of the Mughal Road, the alternative road conslippery necting Kashmir to Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu, in view of the fresh snowfall in the region.

The decision to close the road was taken in view of the weather advisory for the next couple of days, predicting more snowfall in the valley, an official said.

“The district development commissioner, Shopian, ordered the closure of Mughal Road for vehicular traffic from Tuesday,” the official said.