Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Himachal Pradesh, Shuts Down Roads and Strands Tourists

Over 200 roads closed, including national highways, as snowfall brings both tourism surge and severe cold warnings across the region.

Fresh snowfall has led to the closure of over 200 roads, including three national highways, across Himachal Pradesh, with Shimla and Manali heavily impacted.
Rescue operations by police in Lahaul-Spiti successfully evacuated 30 stranded vehicles and around 100 tourists in snowy conditions.
The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for severe cold, ground frost, and dense fog in parts of the state, with more snowfall predicted between December 27 and 29.
The snowfall has boosted tourism, with hotel occupancy rates rising in Shimla and other key destinations, but has also caused four fatalities in separate vehicle accidents.
The snow is expected to benefit apple orchards and horticulture, which are vital to the state's economy, while snow-clearing operations are underway to restore road connectivity.