Mandi- Thousands of helpless passengers, including stranded tourists, endured an ordeal on the Mandi Kullu-Manali stretch of the Chandigarh Kiratpur national highway for over 15 hours. The Highway was blocked near Pandoh at 15 Meel due to the big rockslide there since Sunday night.
Their misery unfolded as the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) failed to restore the highway throughout the day, leaving them stranded for over 15 hours.
As torrents of rain lashed the area, the highway crumbled under the weight of falling rocks, leaving rows upon rows of vehicles stranded in a desperate standstill.
Social media was flooded with images shared by commuters, desperately seeking a way out.
The viral pictures showcased the scenes of men, women, and children trapped in their vehicles.
NHAI and local administration's response was sluggish at best. 
To make matters worse, the lack of timely action forced locals and tourists, including foreign visitors, to embark on journeys on foot.
It was in late evening hours that the highway was restored for traffic, the police said.
Meanwhile, R.S. Bali, Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), has issued a simple advisory for tourists in light of the monsoon season.
He advises tourists to keep their mobile GPS location on, follow guided routes, check weather updates, and drive slowly, especially in heavy mist.
Bali also clarifies that reports of traffic jams and stranded tourists are false, and the situation in the state is normal.
He urges people not to panic and assures them that efforts are underway to clear roads and ensure smooth travel.
