April 16: Amid when the country is going through the worst phase of Covid surge, speculations have it that Rohtang Pass is expected to reopen by the end of April. Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass on the Pir Panjal Range as it is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh.
Reportedly, the Border Roads Organisation is working on clearing the snow from the Manali-Leh highway. Himachal Pradesh is facing the circumstances of the increasing covid cases in its second wave that is sweeping the nation.
Summers are the most popular season for the state’s tourism and given the current situation, the state fears a repetition of the previous year’s situation this year too.
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As a result of this, hoteliers are asking to open the Rohtang Pass as this will attract some visitors. Other than clearing the snow from the Manali-Rohtang highway, a snowslide at the Beas nullah is being cleared. Alongside this, Marhu is soon expected to reconnect with Manali.
Till now, BRO has not cleared the snow from the pass because Atal Tunnel has bypassed the highway. The traffic from the route Manali-Rohtang-Keylong highway is expected to be restored by the end of April.
According to Manali sub-divisional magistrate, Raman Gharsangi, “BRO is clearing snow from the road on a war footing. Tourists will enjoy the snow at Marhi and Beas nullah in a few days.”