15-Km Traffic Jam, Power & Water Cut as Manali Reels Under Snow Amid Tourist Surge
Manali, Himachal Pradesh | Latest News – Heavy snowfall in Manali has turned the popular hill station into a breathtaking winter postcard, but the sudden tourist surge has pushed the town’s infrastructure to the brink. A massive 15-kilometre traffic jam, along with power outages and water supply cuts, has left both tourists and locals struggling as Manali reels under snow.
Manali Snowfall Triggers 15-Km Traffic Jam
Fresh snowfall over the last 24 hours has led to a 15-km-long traffic snarl on key routes connecting Manali, Solang Valley, and Atal Tunnel (Rohtang). Thousands of vehicles, including tourist taxis and private cars, were stranded for hours as slippery roads and poor visibility slowed movement.
Police officials confirmed that traffic restrictions were imposed to avoid accidents, but the overwhelming number of tourists made crowd control challenging.
Power and Water Supply Disrupted
The heavy snow accumulation damaged power lines, leading to extended electricity cuts in several areas of Manali, Old Manali, and nearby villages. Authorities also reported water supply disruptions due to frozen pipelines and reduced pumping capacity.
“Restoration work is ongoing, but snowfall is making repairs difficult,” said a local administration official.
Hotels and homestays are relying on generators and stored water, while tourists are being advised to use resources sparingly.
Tourist Surge After Viral Snow Reels
Manali has seen a sharp rise in tourist arrivals after viral Instagram and YouTube reels showcased snow-covered roads, pine forests, and whitewashed rooftops. Weekend bookings surged as travelers rushed to experience fresh snowfall, catching authorities off guard.
Local hotel owners reported near-full occupancy, while taxi unions said demand has doubled despite road conditions.
Administration Issues Advisory
The district administration has issued a travel advisory, urging tourists to:
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Avoid unnecessary travel during snowfall
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Use snow chains on vehicles
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Follow traffic police instructions
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Check weather updates before heading to Solang or Rohtang
Tourists have also been advised to delay travel plans until roads are fully cleared.
Locals Face Daily Challenges
While tourists enjoy the snow, residents are facing difficulties in commuting, accessing essential supplies, and maintaining daily routines. Schools in some areas have reported low attendance due to blocked roads.
Local voices are calling for better crowd management and infrastructure planning during peak winter tourism.
What Lies Ahead
Weather officials predict intermittent snowfall over the next 24–48 hours, raising concerns of further disruptions. Authorities are deploying snow-clearing machines and additional police personnel to manage traffic and restore essential services.
Key Highlights
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❄️ Heavy snowfall blankets Manali
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🚗 15-km traffic jam on major routes
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⚡ Power and water supply disrupted
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📈 Tourist rush surges after viral reels
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🚨 Travel advisory issued
Bottom Line:
Manali’s snowfall has once again proven to be a double-edged sword—stunning visuals attracting tourists, but also exposing infrastructure stress. Travelers are advised to prioritize safety over social media trends.
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