Almora-Haldwani Highway Faces Night Traffic Ban Due to Sinking Road
BAGESHWAR: A critical 30-meter stretch of the Almora-Haldwani highway, essential for connecting the plains with the Kumaon hill districts, is in a precarious state. The road is reportedly “continuously sinking,” leading to safety concerns that have prompted authorities to impose a night-time traffic ban until February 17. Vehicles will be prohibited from using the highway between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Safety Concerns Heightened
According to Almora disaster management officer Vineet Pal, the situation is exacerbated by falling boulders and debris from the surrounding hills. “Given the unstable terrain, all traffic movement at night, including JCB operations, will be halted to ensure commuter safety,” he stated.
Impact on Daily Commuters
Frequent travelers have expressed frustration over ongoing roadblocks and unpredictable landslides. Prema Parihar, a regular commuter between Bageshwar and Haldwani, mentioned, “Traffic jams are constant near Kwarab, and we never know when debris will fall. The government seems to be reactive rather than proactive about these hazards.”
Previous Disruptions
The highway had been reopened on January 6 after a previous closure due to a landslide near Kwarab, labeled a “danger zone.” Earlier, on December 27, a massive landslide left only a narrow stretch of the road intact, severely disrupting connectivity to key towns such as Almora and Pithoragarh.
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Stay safe and informed as you navigate these challenging road conditions!
