Manali-Rohtang pass opened to tourists

MANALI: The 54 km long pass was opened to tourists on Monday evening, Border Road Task Force (BRTF) Commander S K Doon said on Tuesday.
 
Vehicular movement through the pass has restored the only link between the Lahual-Spiti district and the outside world.
       
"The clearing of thick snow lying on the road started on February 18," Doon said, adding that around 100 BRTF personnel, 16 bulldozers, two excavators, three snow cutters and 200 labourers accomplished the mammoth task in three months.
       
Opening of the road upto the Rohtang pass saw tourists thronging the area in large numbers to enjoy skiing, sledging and snow scooter rides.
       
"The opportunity to see Rohtang pass has made our trip to Himachal Pradesh a real success," Durga Prasad, a tourist from Mumbai, said.
       
The BRTF commander said that snow has been cleared on the Barlacha, Nakeela and Tanglangla passes and vehicular traffic is being allowed till Sarchoo on the 294 km Manali-Leh road.