Night traffic banned on Almora-Haldwani highway due to landslide risk
Bageshwar: A nighttime traffic restriction has been implemented on the Almora-Haldwani national highway near the Kwarab region, following persistent landslides and deteriorating road conditions exacerbated by the rains and the current tourist season, endangering travellers and affecting regional commerce and tourism.
According to the order given by the district administration, vehicular movement is prohibited from 11pm to 5am starting Tuesday through June 18, and encompasses all vehicle categories.
District magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey said, "The road is not safe for night travel due to ongoing landslides. In the interest of public safety, we are enforcing this ban strictly under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Any violation will be taken seriously, and the concerned police or checkpoint officials will be held accountable for incidents during the restricted hours."
The DM added that emergency vehicles and ambulances are exempt from these restrictions. "Under exceptional circumstances, the sub-divisional magistrate, circle officer, or district disaster management officer may authorise movement during the restricted period," he said.
Additionally, a severely unstable 200-metre hillside portion near the Kwarab bridge has been identified and authorities have positioned heavy equipment, including poclains, JCBs, and tippers, for hill-cutting and clearing debris.
Road surface improvements are also ongoing to enhance stability.
The Kwarab section on the Almora-Haldwani highway serves as a vital connection between the plains and the Kumaon hill districts with hundreds of vehicles carrying goods, tourists, and residents daily. The route has witnessed consistent rockfalls and slope deterioration throughout the last 10 months, and remains susceptible despite interim repairs, with no lasting resolution established so far. The circumstances have become more concerning during the current tourist season, resulting in heightened safety issues and operational difficulties.
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