yamunotri-highway-set-to-reopen-after-heavy-damage

Restoration work on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district is being carried out on a war footing after heavy rains and landslides caused severe damage. The washed-out stretch near Silai Band is expected to reopen by Tuesday evening, officials said.

 

According to a release, heavy machinery, including seven Poklane and JCB machines, is being used round-the-clock from both ends to speed up the repair work near Ojri.

 

District Magistrate Prashant Arya has been actively present in the affected areas, personally monitoring the relief and rehabilitation efforts. While road repairs continue at a rapid pace, pilgrims visiting Yamunotri Dham are being helped through a transhipment system—they are walking from Ojri to Silai Band with administrative support.

 

DM Arya emphasised that the administration’s top priority is to restore smooth travel routes quickly and provide every possible assistance to both pilgrims and local residents. He has directed all on-ground teams to work with sensitivity and full alertness.

 

On Tuesday, Arya himself walked from Silai Band to Ojri, engaging with pedestrians along the way and assuring them of the arrangements being made to ensure their safe passage.

 

Meanwhile, after major landslides hit the Silai Band area, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya stated on Monday that traffic has been badly disrupted due to road washouts at several points. However, he assured that restoration work is progressing rapidly, with efforts underway on a war footing to reopen the route.

 

Arya said, "Traffic has been disrupted due to road washout at three places in Silai Band area. Work is being done on a war footing to make the road smooth for traffic."

 

DM Arya further added that instructions have been issued to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Forest Department to work on an alternative route to ensure safe pedestrian movement in the region.

 

"In view of the washout of the road in the Ojri area, necessary instructions have been given to the ITBP and Forest Department for the construction of an alternative route there, so that safe movement by foot in the affected area can be made smooth soon. The movement of vehicles will be restored to Silai Band by tomorrow," he said.