Almora-Haldwani Highway Faces Land Subsidence, Night Traffic Restricted for Safety

A significant 30-meter section of the Almora-Haldwani National Highway is gradually sinking, raising concerns about potential accidents. As a precautionary measure, authorities have imposed nighttime traffic restrictions on this vital route connecting the hills to the plains.

Traffic Ban Enforced Due to Safety Concerns

The Almora-Haldwani Highway serves as a crucial link between Uttarakhand’s hilly and plain regions. However, the continuous sinking of a 30-meter stretch has heightened the risk of vehicles slipping into the river below. To prevent any mishaps, officials have announced a traffic ban between 10 PM and 6 AM, effective until February 17.

According to disaster management officials, apart from the road subsidence, falling debris and landslides from the surrounding hills have worsened the situation. Authorities have taken a firm decision to halt all vehicular movement during the night to safeguard travelers. Additionally, all excavation and road-clearing activities involving heavy machinery have been put on hold.

Travelers Facing Increasing Challenges

Regular commuters on this national highway report frequent disruptions due to roadblocks and sudden landslides. Many travelers have expressed concerns about the unpredictable nature of these incidents, particularly in areas like Kwarab, which often experiences traffic congestion.

Previously, a section of the highway near Kwarab was temporarily closed following a landslide but was reopened on January 6. The affected area had already been marked hazardous, as heavy rainfall had caused part of the road to submerge into the Suyal River, further complicating vehicle movement.

Previous Closures and Ongoing Risks

The highway was initially shut down on December 27 due to a massive landslide that left only a narrow two-meter-wide passage, making travel extremely dangerous. This disruption significantly impacted connectivity between Haldwani and major towns such as Almora, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh, causing inconvenience to both locals and tourists.

A joint inspection by highway authorities and geologists revealed that the surrounding hillside remains highly unstable. Given the persistent risks, officials have once again enforced nighttime restrictions to prevent potential accidents and ensure commuter safety.

With ongoing geological challenges, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, urging travelers to stay updated on road conditions before planning their journeys.