A car got stuck in mud near the Jachni drain in Kullu district’s Bhuntar-Manikaran road area on Friday, causing temporary disruption to traffic movement. The incident occurred earlier in the day when the vehicle, reportedly traveling towards Manikaran, slipped into a muddy patch following light rainfall in the region.
According to eyewitnesses, the car lost traction and got partially submerged in the soft mud, blocking one side of the road. As a result, traffic movement came to a standstill, with a long queue of vehicles forming on both sides. The area, known for its narrow roads and proximity to streams, often experiences such difficulties during or after rainfall.
Local residents informed the police and Public Works Department (PWD) officials, who promptly arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Efforts were made using local machinery to pull the vehicle out of the mud and restore traffic flow. The police managed to divert vehicles through alternate routes to ease congestion while the recovery operation was underway.
No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident, and the passengers of the car were safely evacuated. Officials stated that the slippery road surface and poor drainage near the Jachni drain contributed to the mishap.
A local police officer said that road maintenance teams had been alerted to strengthen the vulnerable stretch. “Due to recent rainfall, certain areas along the Bhuntar-Manikaran road have become prone to landslides and waterlogging. The department will take immediate steps to improve drainage and ensure the safety of commuters,” the officer said.
Residents in the area have long demanded better road maintenance, especially during the monsoon season when the terrain becomes unstable. The Bhuntar-Manikaran road, which connects several key villages and tourist destinations, is a vital route for local transport and tourism activities in Kullu district.
Following the incident, authorities temporarily closed the affected section to inspect the road surface and remove accumulated mud. Traffic was fully restored after about two hours. The PWD has assured that additional precautionary measures, including installation of warning signs and periodic road inspections, will be undertaken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Environmental experts have pointed out that the hilly terrain and frequent rainfall make areas like Kullu susceptible to such disruptions. They emphasize the need for long-term infrastructure planning, regular cleaning of drainage channels, and use of improved road materials to minimize risks during wet conditions.
Meanwhile, tourists and locals have been urged to drive cautiously, particularly along the Bhuntar-Manikaran stretch, where visibility and road conditions can change rapidly due to weather. Authorities have also appealed to drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall to ensure their safety.
