Chandigarh-Manali Highway Blocked Due to Road Collapse Near Pandoh Dam

Road Closure on Chandigarh-Manali National Highway

Munish Sood
MANDI: A section of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been rendered impassable following a road collapse on the Mandi-Kullu stretch close to Pandoh Dam on Friday morning, August 1, 2025. The incident took place around 8 am between Pandoh Dam and Baglamukhi Ropeway, resulting in a complete halt of traffic.

Shivabadar village has been entirely isolated as the sole access road linking it to the main highway has been destroyed. This alternate route had been utilized since 2023 after a landslide affected the Kainchi Mod area. With this backup route now unusable, the situation for local residents has become dire.

During the collapse, a vehicle was trapped in the debris, but fortunately, the passengers escaped unharmed. The ongoing heavy rainfall in the area has increased the likelihood of additional landslides, raising alarm among both residents and travelers.

A team from the Pandoh police outpost is currently managing the situation on-site, and all vehicle movement is being restricted before reaching Pandoh Dam as a safety precaution. Authorities have stated that the highway cannot be reopened until weather conditions improve and the slope is stabilized.

Local inhabitants and frequent travelers have expressed significant concerns regarding the recurring collapses along this crucial national highway. They are urging the administration to adopt permanent geo-technical and slope-stabilization strategies, emphasizing that temporary fixes are no longer viable.

“Every year, roads collapse and villages are cut off, but no long-term resolution is ever put in place,” lamented one resident.