Uttarakhand Badrinath Highway Blocked Again as Fresh Debris Falls Near Nandprayag Following Heavy Rains
Uttarakhand faced yet another disruption on the Badrinath National Highway as debris from a hill collapse near Nandprayag blocked the vital route on Thursday morning. Triggered by heavy rainfall and landslides, the blockage stranded vehicles and commuters for hours. While one section of the highway near Kameda was cleared and reopened by 6:35 AM, restoration work continued near Nandprayag as of Thursday morning.
The Chamoli Police shared visuals of the debris and confirmed the route’s status, attributing the situation to recent intense rainfall in the area. Passengers like Dilpreet, en route to Rishikesh, described being stuck for over four hours amid falling stones and blocked roads. Cranes and heavy machinery have since been deployed to clear the route.
Earlier in the week, similar blockages were cleared near Nandprayag and Umatta, but recurring landslides continue to pose risks to commuters. On Wednesday alone, Chamoli recorded 19.2 mm of rainfall while Rudraprayag registered 20.4 mm, adding to the ongoing instability in the region.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the area is expected to receive more heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of further landslides, mudslides, and road collapses. The Badrinath route, essential for pilgrims and travelers in the Himalayan region, remains vulnerable throughout the monsoon season.
Authorities have issued advisories urging travelers to check route conditions before travel and stay updated through official channels. With rains expected to persist in Uttarakhand and neighboring states through mid-July, more such disruptions remain likely.
