Manali's fresh snow traps 100+ vehicles near Solang and Atal tunnels
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 100 vehicles still 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.
local companies, especially those in the travel and hospitality sectors, are hopeful about a longer tourist season and want to take advantage of this charming winter time. The snowstorm has pleased visitors from all around the nation, who describe it as a "once-in-a-lifetime experience." A visitor from Rewari, haryana named hemant expressed his joy upon seeing the snowfall: "It's such a lovely sight. The weather is fantastic. There was snow when we got up this morning, which was completely unexpected. We had intended to depart, but we have now made the decision to remain. For me, seeing snow for the first time in my life is an experience of a lifetime. A visitor from Faridabad, haryana named Pramod yogi also shared his happiness, saying: "There are no words to describe the delight this snowfall has brought. It's been incredible to witness nature's breathtaking splendour for the first time in my life. I encourage everyone to come here and have fun. Seeing the snowfall has been an exciting experience, and I encourage everyone to visit and take in the sights."