The Badrinath National Highway was temporarily blocked near Helang in Chamoli district after debris and rocks fell onto the road, disrupting traffic movement on the route.
Officials said continuous rain in the area triggered the slide, causing loose rocks and mud to come down on the highway. As a precaution, traffic was stopped on the affected stretch.
The Chamoli district administration said restoration teams and heavy machines were rushed to the spot soon after the incident. Efforts are underway to clear the debris and reopen the road as quickly as possible. Authorities are also keeping a close watch on the situation as rainfall continues intermittently.
Officials have urged pilgrims, tourists and local residents to avoid non-essential travel on the route until it is declared safe. Travellers have been advised to follow official traffic updates and weather advisories before starting their journey.
The Badrinath National Highway is one of Uttarakhand's most important roads. It connects the plains to the revered Badrinath shrine, a key destination in the Char Dham pilgrimage. The route is also crucial for people living in the region and serves strategic areas close to the India-China border.
Because of the fragile Himalayan landscape, this highway is often affected by landslides and rockfalls during the monsoon season. Areas such as Helang, Pipalkoti, Joshimath and Lambagad regularly face road blockages whenever heavy rain occurs.
Over the past few weeks, several parts of Uttarakhand have experienced intense rainfall. Many districts have reported landslides, flash floods, damaged roads and interruptions to essential services.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has repeatedly issued rain alerts for hill districts, including Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar. In response, local administrations have remained on alert and are monitoring vulnerable areas closely.
A number of highways across the state have faced temporary closures in recent weeks due to rain-triggered landslides. Teams from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), National Highways authorities and the Public Works Department (PWD) have been working continuously to restore traffic and maintain key routes.
Weather-related disruptions have also affected the ongoing Char Dham Yatra this year. Authorities have occasionally regulated vehicle movement whenever heavy rainfall or falling debris created safety concerns for travellers.
Officials said vulnerable stretches of the Badrinath highway are being monitored round the clock. Emergency teams and heavy equipment have been stationed at sensitive locations so that roads can be cleared quickly whenever landslides occur.
Also read: Schools shut in Dehradun as heavy rain alert issued
Follow us
