Shimla: The road to Atal Tunnel, Solang Valley and Sissu will remain closed for visitors on April 29 in the wake of President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled visit to Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts.Rahul Nath, DIG (Central Range, Mandi), stated at a press conference in Manali on Monday that the road stretch from Palchan to Solang Valley and up to the Atal Tunnel would remain closed to the general public, starting 6 am Wednesday.“We will close the road at Palchan and Solang Valley at 6 am on April 29. The locals will be allowed to move up to the Solang Valley. Tourists are advised not to plan their visit to Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel and Sissu till afternoon,” said the DIG.Similarly, the Lahaul-Spiti district administration has ordered a complete shutdown of the road between the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel and Sissu on April 29.The route will remain fully closed from 7 am to 1 pm, with no movement of vehicles or pedestrians allowed during this period. Only vehicles carrying valid passes issued by competent authorities will be permitted, stated the Lahaul-Spiti administration.In a statement issued on Monday, the Lahaul-Spiti administration mentioned that the restrictions were part of the security and traffic arrangements made for the President’s visit. Barricades and checkpoints will be in place, and the public has been strictly advised not to cross restricted zones, read the statement.The district administration also urged residents and tourists to avoid travel on the stretch during the specified hours and follow official advisories.The Lahaul-Spiti district administration has also imposed temporary restrictions on movement and public activity along the route from the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel to the Sissu Helipad on April 29.Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Kiran Bhadana stated parking of vehicles, public gatherings, and operations of shops, dhabas, restaurants, and food vans had also been barred in the North Portal area, Sissu Nursery stretch, and around the Sissu Helipad.The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) vehicles and emergency services, including ambulances, fire services and the police, have been exempted, read the statement.MSID:: 130556504 413 |
