The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is taking extraordinary measures to restore the Kullu-Manali highway (NH-21) in Himachal Pradesh, which has been severely damaged by recent floods, cloudbursts, and landslides. With entire sections of the road washed away, cutting off the popular tourist town of Manali, the NHAI is resorting to airlifting heavy construction equipment to expedite repairs.

The Kullu-Manali highway has been battered by relentless monsoon rains, resulting in significant damage across multiple locations. As many as 10 locations on the Kullu-Manali section have been completely washed away, and an additional five have been partially damaged, effectively severing connectivity to Manali. This has not only stranded residents and tourists but also disrupted the transportation of essential goods and agricultural produce. Himachal Pradesh has officially been declared a disaster-hit state, with over 600 roads closed due to the catastrophic monsoon damage.

In response to the crisis, the NHAI has allocated ₹100 crore for urgent repairs to the flood-ravaged corridor. NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav held a meeting with senior officials on August 29, 2025, to assess the damage and strategize immediate restoration efforts. Recognizing the inaccessibility of certain areas, the decision was made to airlift machinery to points lacking road connectivity. The Indian Army's Chinook helicopters have been deployed to assist in this effort.

Nearly 70 machines have already been deployed to the site, with another 20 in transit. The NHAI is working to restore connectivity on a "war footing", aiming to minimize disruption to travel and commerce in the region. Temporary restoration measures are being prioritized to re-establish connectivity as quickly as possible.

The NHAI is also providing financial support to the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) to repair and maintain an alternative road that is currently handling diverted traffic. However, this alternative route has also sustained damage and is only suitable for light vehicles, further complicating transportation challenges.

In addition to immediate repairs, the NHAI is exploring long-term solutions for permanent restoration of the highway. These include the construction of tunnels, elevated structures, and slope stabilization measures to enhance the highway's resilience to future natural disasters. A detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared to assess the feasibility and implementation of these long-term solutions.

The disruption to the Kullu-Manali highway has had a cascading effect on the region's economy. September is a peak tourist season, and the road closure has led to widespread cancellations, impacting hotels, restaurants, and taxi operators. Farmers are also suffering significant losses as they struggle to transport their apple and vegetable harvests to market, with produce rotting in the fields.

The recent devastation highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure in mountainous regions to extreme weather events. The NHAI's efforts to restore the Kullu-Manali highway are critical not only for re-establishing connectivity but also for supporting the region's economic recovery. The use of airlifting equipment underscores the urgency and the challenges involved in repairing infrastructure in such difficult terrain.