In Himachal Pradesh, the administration has temporarily restricted vehicle movement towards the Atal Tunnel from Nehru Kund to the South Portal due to heavy snowfall. This sudden weather event, which occurred on Sunday near the popular tourist location of Manali, caused significant challenges for thousands of tourists, with over 1,000 vehicles and around 5,000 tourists stuck on the roads. In response, local authorities, police, and the Border Roads Organization rapidly mobilized a rescue operation, ensuring that by late Monday evening, all individuals were safely transported back to Manali.

DSO Manali KD Sharma reported that the heavy snowfall had resulted in the accumulation of ice on the roads, making it hazardous for vehicles to navigate slippery pathways. Many tourists had to abandon their vehicles and trek to safety, while some taxi drivers remained stranded in the vicinity of the tunnel but were confirmed safe. Authorities have assured that as soon as the roads are cleared, these drivers will also be sent back to Manali, alleviating the ongoing issue.

Reports have emerged from stranded tourists detailing the lack of oxygen and basic supplies like food and water, highlighting the severity of the situation in the Atal Tunnel area. The heavy snowfalls have raised concerns not only about the immediate safety of the stranded tourists but also about the implications for ongoing tourist activities in the region during the peak winter season, an essential period for local economies reliant on tourism revenue.