Manali Traffic Jam: Over 1,000 Vehicles Stranded Near Atal Tunnel After Sudden Snowfall

Last Updated:March 16, 2026, 10:07 IST

Heavy snowfall near Manali left over 1,000 vehicles stranded near the Atal Tunnel’s south portal, with police teams conducting rescue operations for several hours

A sudden spell of evening snowfall caused major disruption near the Atal Tunnel, leaving more than 1,000 vehicles stranded in the region around Manali, a popular tourist town in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

The situation developed quickly after heavy snowfall began in the higher reaches surrounding Manali on Sunday afternoon. As the snowfall intensified in the evening, the roads leading to the Atal Tunnel and nearby tourist routes became extremely slippery, causing several vehicles to lose traction and halting traffic movement in the area.

Police Rush To The Spot As Traffic Comes To A Halt

As soon as reports of vehicles getting stranded emerged, teams from the Manali Police rushed to the affected location to manage the situation and assist stranded tourists and motorists. Authorities began directing vehicles back towards Manali in order to prevent further congestion and reduce the risk of accidents. Police personnel were deployed at multiple points along the affected routes to control traffic and guide drivers safely.

Officials said many of the vehicles stuck in the area belonged to tourists who had earlier travelled towards various sightseeing destinations in the Lahaul Valley. However, the sudden change in weather conditions caught many travellers off guard.

Slippery Roads Increase Risk Of Accidents

The snowfall intensified near the south portal of the Atal Tunnel, significantly increasing the chances of vehicles slipping on the snow-covered roads. Several vehicles reportedly struggled to maintain control, forcing authorities to halt traffic and implement emergency measures.

According to Manali DSP KD Sharma, more than 1,000 vehicles were stranded near the southern end of the tunnel due to the rapidly accumulating snow. He stated that the entire Manali police team had been present at the location for several hours, coordinating rescue and traffic management operations to ensure that all motorists could be safely moved towards Manali.

Rescue Operations Underway

Police teams have been working continuously to clear the traffic congestion and help stranded travellers return safely. Officials confirmed that the rescue and traffic management operations have been ongoing for several hours.

DSP Sharma appealed to the public to remain calm and assured that the police are making every possible effort to safely escort all vehicles and tourists back towards Manali.

BRO And Other Agencies Asked To Clear Snow

Authorities have also contacted the Border Roads Organisation and other agencies, requesting them to deploy teams and machinery immediately to clear the snow from the affected roads.

Officials said that heavy equipment, soil, and even chemical solutions such as urea may be used to melt or remove the accumulated snow, helping restore safe driving conditions in the area. Clearing the snow quickly is crucial to allowing stranded vehicles to move again and preventing further traffic build-up in the mountainous region.

Appeal For Patience And Cooperation

Police officials have urged tourists and drivers to remain patient and cooperate with authorities during the rescue and traffic management operations. They emphasised that all efforts are being made to ensure the safety of travellers and to gradually move the stranded vehicles towards safer areas in Manali.

“The police are always ready to serve and protect the public," officials said, while requesting motorists to follow instructions issued by the personnel deployed on the ground.

40 Tourists Rescued At Jalori Pass

In a separate incident triggered by the same spell of snowfall, around 40 tourists were stranded at Jalori Pass in the higher reaches of Kullu district. Teams from the Banjar Police carried out a rescue operation and successfully evacuated all the stranded tourists, ensuring their safe return.

Authorities noted that snowfall at several high-altitude tourist destinations in the region has made roads extremely slippery, creating difficulties for drivers and increasing the risk of vehicles skidding.

Officials have advised tourists to remain cautious while travelling in mountainous areas and to stay updated on weather and road conditions before heading towards high-altitude destinations.

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