Traffic on the Badrinath National Highway in Uttarakhand has been severely disrupted due to multiple landslides in the Chamoli district, officials reported on Tuesday (September 17). According to the district magistrate, around 250-300 vehicles are stranded in Karnaprayag, while about 200 vehicles are stuck in Gauchar. The local administration is providing food and accommodation for travelers who have been caught in the traffic since Monday.
Officials making arrangements for stranded people
Arrangements have been made in Chattavapipal, with community kitchens (langars) organised by the municipalities of Karnaprayag and Gauchar. Additionally, hotel and lodge accommodations are being offered to those in need.
Sandeep Tiwari, the Chamoli District Officer, noted that Chattavapipal has been experiencing continuous landslides, which have blocked the highway.
Alternative route
To assist travelers, the administration is also sharing information about alternative routes. Passengers are being rerouted to Gauchar via the Khal-Sarmola route on Pokhari Road from Karnaprayag.
As a result of the highway’s closure, traffic jams have formed on both sides of Gauchar and Karnaprayag. Vehicles coming from Badrinath are currently being halted at Nandprayag, Chamoli, Pipalkoti, and Joshimath, while those headed to Gauchar and beyond are being stopped at Rudraprayag to minimize further complications for travelers, Tiwari added.