Kullu-Manali Highway Partially Reopens Amidst Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The Kullu-Manali Highway, damaged by a cloudburst on August 1, reopened partially for traffic. Restoration efforts continue as officials report significant losses and ongoing rescue operations in flood-hit Himachal Pradesh, where infrastructure damage has exceeded Rs 700 crore.

The Kullu-Manali Highway, which suffered extensive damage due to a cloudburst on August 1, has partially reopened for one-way traffic as of Sunday. Restoration work continues in earnest.

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish informed ANI about the ongoing restoration efforts, stating, 'The National Highway was the most damaged but has been restored for a single lane. The Nirmand area faced the most severe losses. In Bagipul, two people are missing, raising the total count of missing persons to 11, with one body recovered.' Ravish detailed that 20 bridges in Bagipul and nearby areas were swept away, and the Forest Department has carried out temporary restorations. The state is contending with an estimated loss exceeding Rs 700 crore due to devastating floods and heavy rainfall.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also highlighted the extensive damage to infrastructure since June 27, assuring that relief and search operations are being closely monitored and stressing the government's commitment to restoring normalcy.

Deputy Chief Minister and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh visited the affected areas, noting that efforts are ongoing to reopen 193 closed roads and restore critical bridges. 'Our priority is to expedite rescue and relief measures with support from the NDRF, SDRF, and state police,' he appealed for swift assistance from the Union government.

On Sunday, search operations commenced early in the morning and will persist until all bodies are retrieved, Police Director General Atul Verma confirmed. 'We will continue until the last missing person is accounted for,' Verma said, acknowledging the relentless efforts of NDRF, SDRF, and emergency responders.

Earlier, Chief Minister Sukhu mentioned that while some bodies have been recovered, 55 people remain missing. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)