Heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand has once again disrupted normal life, leading to the closure of the Badrinath National Highway. Landslides, triggered by incessant rain, have blocked the highway at multiple points, leaving pilgrims and travelers stranded.
The Badrinath National Highway is blocked near Nandaprayag and Bhandarpani. Landslides have blocked routes to Kedarnath and Badrinath, stranding pilgrims. Heavy rain, debris, and stonefall have halted travel, with road clearance underway and authorities urging caution.
Similar incidents have occurred recently on the same highway. A landslide near Bhanerpani, Pipalkoti, in the Chamoli district, caused a major blockage just days prior. Recurring stonefalls from the hillside continue to hamper debris-clearing efforts, causing significant delays for travelers. Earlier this year, in March, the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway near Karnaprayag was also closed due to falling debris amid continuous rainfall.
In Kedarnath, a massive landslide near Munkatiya on the Sonprayag–Gaurikund stretch has brought traffic to a complete standstill. Tons of debris and large boulders tumbling down the hillside have blocked the route, halting the movement of thousands of pilgrims at Sonprayag. National Highways machinery has been deployed to clear the road, but authorities have confirmed that movement toward Kedarnath will resume only after full restoration of the route. Continuous rainfall and fresh landslides along the pedestrian trek routes are making relief efforts more difficult.
Authorities have issued advisories urging pilgrims and tourists to stay updated with real-time alerts and avoid non-essential travel until the routes are officially deemed safe. Travelers are advised to carry emergency supplies, including food, water, warm clothing, and essential medicines, as prolonged delays are expected.
The Chamoli Police and Chardham Police Control Room are actively involved in the road clearance operations, but their efforts are being severely hampered by the continuous falling of stones from the hilltop. Dramatic videos have surfaced showing the Badrinath highway covered with debris, with massive rocks and mud endangering motorists.
Efforts are underway to clear the debris and reopen the highway. Authorities are working around the clock to restore connectivity on this critical route, which serves as a lifeline for pilgrims and locals.
The landslides have also affected other key routes in the region. The Jyotirmath-Malari road, which connects to the India-China border, has been blocked. Additionally, the Karnaprayag-Gwaldam national highway is currently inaccessible due to landslide debris. Local authorities are on high alert and are coordinating with disaster management teams to clear the blocked roads and provide assistance to those affected.
