Private Bus Overturns on Kiratpur-Manali Highway as Large Rocks Fall in Mandi, Raising Road Safety Concerns

Himachal Pradesh’s roads, especially in hilly terrains, remain prone to accidents due to unpredictable landslides and loose rocks tumbling down steep slopes. These natural hazards, often intensified by rainfall and infrastructure challenges, have been a persistent threat to commuters and transport services. In yet another such incident, a private bus met with an accident near Banala in Mandi district on the Kiratpur-Manali highway on Friday when large boulders fell onto the moving vehicle, causing it to overturn.

Eyewitnesses described the suddenness of the mishap, highlighting how the bus, navigating a stretch known for its susceptibility to falling debris, had little time to evade the disaster. Passengers on board were left in shock as the vehicle toppled due to the sheer force of the impact. The driver, identified as Jaswant Singh, and the conductor, Ankush, sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the Community Health Center (CHC) in Nagwain for medical attention. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, but the incident has once again underlined the pressing need for improved road safety measures in Himachal’s mountainous regions.

Authorities and local residents have voiced their concerns about the repeated dangers posed by rockfalls, particularly along highways carved through the rugged terrain of the state. The Kiratpur-Manali highway, a crucial route for both tourists and local commuters, has seen multiple incidents of landslides in recent years, raising questions about the efficiency of ongoing maintenance and safety reinforcements. Officials have since been working on clearing the debris and ensuring that the road is safe for further travel. Additionally, steps are being considered to enhance protective structures like rockfall barriers and retaining walls to prevent such calamities in the future.

The accident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust infrastructure planning and disaster mitigation strategies in Himachal Pradesh. With tourism and local transportation heavily dependent on these highways, it remains crucial for authorities to address these recurring hazards and prioritize road safety to safeguard lives.

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