A key road linking Kangra Airport to the world-famous Masrur rock-cut temple has collapsed, leaving thousands stranded and exposing years of administrative neglect. The Salol–Kathla stretch, crucial for locals and tourists, gave way after days of heavy rain, constant movement of mining trucks, and poor maintenance.
The collapse happened about 300 metres before Kathla Mata Mandir when an old protection wall crumbled, leading to landslides at two points. Officials said they lacked funds and time to act, as rains made the situation worse.
“This road is our lifeline. We raised concerns multiple times, but no one listened,” said Sanjiv, a local. “The condition of connecting roads is pathetic — walking on them is risky, let alone driving,” he added.
Assistant Engineer at Lanj, Anurag Chaudhary, said debris was cleared for smaller vehicles but warned that more rain could shut the route completely.
The Sanaura–Salol road, also used by mining trucks carrying material from Gaj Khud to Nagrota Surian, has now been closed to heavy vehicles. Locals say the truck traffic has damaged the roads further and turned travel into a daily struggle.
The closure is a big setback, as the stretch connects Gaggal to Bhorwali, Kothdhu, Lanj and even Pong Lake. The breakdown has hit everyday life and badly affected tourist flow to the historic Masrur temple.
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