The increasing craze for 9.02km-long Atal tunnel has resulted in record 12,73,699 vehicles traversing it from both sides in 2022, nearly 60 per cent more than that in 2021.
Nearly 6,22,988 vehicles carrying about 20 lakh tourists entered Lahaul valley via tunnel from Manali while about 6,50,711 vehicles exited Lahaul through the tunnel, with a total 12,73,699 vehicles. About 3,76,870 vehicles entered the district and around 4,23,071 vehicles exited the district through the tunnel, making it total 7,99,941 vehicles using the tunnel in 2021.
Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma shared in the district police facebook page that 2022 witnessed an increase of about 4.73 lakh vehicles, mostly tourist vehicles. “The highest traffic in Atal tunnel was recorded in the months of June (2,25,045), May (2,11,824) and December (2,02,974). The highest traffic recorded in a single day was on December 25 on Christmas Day, which was recorded at 19,383. This was the highest number of vehicles since Atal tunnel, Rohtang, was inaugurated by the PM Narendra Modi on October 3, 2020,” he shared.
Lahaul valley has seen huge traffic influx after opening of the tunnel. However, most of the tourists are visiting only the Atal tunnel and returning back to Manali on the same day. The craze for the tunnel is so high that more than 10,000 vehicles crossed the tunnel for a total of 16 days in 2022.
Many tourists want to see this modern tunnel built at altitude of 10,020ft from sea level while others visit it to see the snow at its northern end. Some are visiting Lahaul valley via tunnel and others use it while travelling to Ladakh or Pangi valley. Majority of visitors are tourists from different states. Almost every tourist visiting Manali is reaching the tunnel which has also become a new snow point, an alternative to Rohtang pass.
“The tourist influx in Lahaul is increasing gradually. Cops are deployed at tunnel 24X7 to guard it and to ensure smooth traffic movement,” the SP said.
No entry for tourists to Lahaul without 4X4 vehicle
Update on January 3, 2023
The Lahaul-Spiti administration on Tuesday issued a travel advisory that only four-wheel-drive tourist vehicles will be allowed entry to the district between 9am and 10pm as the roads are not fit for all the vehicles.
Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Sumit Khimta said the advisory has been issued given the slippery road conditions after formation of black ice on national highway (NH-3) under extreme cold conditions. “The local residents of Lahaul and Pangi can enter through the Atal tunnel from 9am to 4pm without restriction. It does not apply on trucks. But the tourists will be allowed between the same time only with four-wheel-drive vehicles to prevent them from any mishap. This traffic arrangement will be applicable till further order,” he said in the advisory.
He asked tourists to keep an eye on weather conditions and be careful while travelling in the district. He requested tourists not to drive during snowfall and asked hotels and homestay operators to pass the right information and advice to the tourists.
Black ice is a transparent and invisible layer of ice on the road which is not easily visible while driving. The vehicles skid on the black ice. The local residents know the possible places of black ice and know how to negotiate such stretches. On the other side, tourists have no idea of black ice which results in accidents. The four-wheel-drive vehicles have better grip and stability, which are also useful in case of snowfall. So, tourists travelling in other vehicles are not allowed.
Manali police has also stated that tourist vehicles will be allowed from Solang barrier only after 10am as Solang-Atal tunnel road becomes slippery in morning and evening time due to icing. Police have said that all the tourists will have to return back from the tunnel by 4pm.
Meanwhile, regional manager of Himachal Roads Transport Corporation (HRTC) has directed the bus stand in-charge of Keylong, Udaipur and Killar to stop plying of the buses on the different routes in the morning and evening time when water is freezing on the road surfaces. He said it has posed threat to the lives of passengers. So, they are asked to run the buses, if possible, only in day time after consultation with local administration, public works department and other representatives.
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