Massive Landslide Blocks Solan-Chandigarh Highway: Travellers Stranded, Alternate Shimla Routes

In a sudden and alarming incident, the Solan-Chandigarh highway was closed today following a massive mountain collapse near the Dharampur region. The landslide occurred in the early hours of Monday, around 6:30 AM, leading to heavy debris and rocks blocking the entire stretch of the highway. Due to continuous rains in the Himachal Pradesh region, the soil has loosened, increasing the risk of such collapses across hilly terrains.

Highway Condition Update

According to the local administration and media reports, the collapse has rendered both lanes unusable, causing traffic congestion that stretches for several kilometres on either side. The National Highway Authority teams and disaster response units are on site, working tirelessly to clear the debris. However, due to the magnitude of the collapse, it may take several hours or even an entire day before the highway is deemed safe for travel. Travellers planning their journeys today are advised to stay updated with verified traffic alerts before moving towards this route.

Moreover, many vehicles remain stranded as authorities have stopped all movements for safety reasons. Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear boulders and mud, but intermittent rains are hampering operations. This is a developing situation, and commuters must follow reliable news channels for further updates.

What Should You Do If You Are Stuck In Such Situations?

Firstly, it is crucial to remain calm. Panic only worsens the situation, especially in hilly terrains prone to secondary landslides. If you are already stuck in traffic due to this mountain collapse:

• Stay inside your vehicle unless instructed otherwise by authorities.
• Keep your hazard lights on if visibility is low due to rain or fog.
• Conserve fuel by turning off the ignition while parked.
• Avoid standing near slopes or exposed mountain edges as fresh debris might fall.
• Carry water and some dry snacks in case of prolonged waiting.
• Listen to local radio channels for live updates.
• Contact your family or workplace to inform them about your situation.

Additionally, travellers should always check weather forecasts and live route updates before planning journeys on Himalayan highways, especially during the monsoon. These small precautions can save lives in unforeseen emergencies.

Alternate Routes For Travellers Heading Towards Shimla

Since the Solan-Chandigarh highway is the main connector for tourists and local commuters, its closure has caused significant disruptions. However, there are alternate routes that can be considered if you are planning to travel towards Shimla today:

1. Via Nahan:
   Take the route from Chandigarh to Nahan and then proceed towards Solan and Shimla. This road is longer but relatively safer during landslide situations compared to the direct NH-5 route.
2. Via Parwanoo-Kasauli Road:
   For light vehicles, the Parwanoo-Kasauli route can act as a temporary diversion, reconnecting towards Dharampur before Solan. However, this route is narrow, and drivers must exercise extreme caution due to sharp bends and increased traffic diversion.
3. Via Kalka – Subathu – Solan Road:
   Another alternative is to take the Kalka-Subathu-Solan internal road, which merges near Solan, bypassing the landslide stretch. It is important to note that these internal routes are not ideal for heavy vehicles and buses due to limited road width and sharp turns.

However, before choosing any route, it is advisable to check live Google Maps updates and recent traveller advisories. While these alternatives can save you from being stuck for hours, they require cautious and experienced driving skills, especially during rainfall.