Met predict rain, snow from Dec 27 to 29

About 1,000 vehicles were stuck in traffic jam in Manali, prompting police to launch rescue ops

- Shailee Dogra

SHIMLA: As the fresh snowfall brought cheer for tourists, road connectivity in the state took a hit as 350 roads, including three national highways were closed.

According to reports, NH-5 towards Chango and Maling Nalla in Kinnaur, Kullu -- Rohtang Pass NH-03 and Jalori Pass NH-305 were blocked due to snow. Solang Nalla to Atal Tunnel NH-03, Lahaul Spiti -- NH 03 between Rohtang Pass to Koksar and NH-505 between Gramphu-Lossar were closed.

Addressing media in Shimla, PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh on Tuesday said heavy snowfall has disrupted road connectivity across the state. Outlining the government's measures for clearing snow, Singh said, "Over 350 roads were initially blocked, with 235 expected to reopen by tomorrow evening." Singh said the state government has launched extensive snow clearance operations, deploying 268 machines across snow-bound regions, including Dalhousie and Rohru.