Shimla-Bilaspur-Dharamshala Highway Reopens for Light Vehicles

The Shimla-Bilaspur-Dharamshala national highway has partially reopened after a temporary closure triggered by road subsidence in the Namhol area of Bilaspur. Light vehicles are now allowed to move, while heavy vehicles remain restricted until repair work is completed.

The route is a major connector for Himachal Pradesh, linking the state capital with several key districts and popular tourist destinations. The reopening brings some relief for daily commuters, but traffic movement is still being closely regulated to ensure safety.

Why the Highway Was Closed

Officials said the stretch was shut for urgent repair work after subsidence damaged the road surface. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) initially closed the road to all traffic on October 27.

Later the same day, movement for light vehicles was permitted from 4:00 pm, while heavy traffic continued to remain off the road. Authorities stressed that the closure was necessary to prevent further damage and to protect motorists.

Traffic Advisory and Diversion Routes

The NHAI and the Bilaspur police have issued an advisory asking drivers to use designated alternate routes and follow traffic instructions carefully. Emergency vehicles will continue to get priority access during the repair period.

Vehicles moving from Bilaspur and Hamirpur toward Shimla should take the route via Barmana, Jukhala, Jwal Pul, Ranikotal, Gharsi, and Darlaghat.
Vehicles travelling from Shimla toward Bilaspur and Hamirpur should use Darlaghat, Gharsi, Ranikotal, Jwal Pul, and Ghumarwin/Barmana.
Vehicles heading from Shimla toward Mandi are advised to travel via Darlaghat, Navgaon, Gharsi, Ranikotal, and Bairi.
Tourists travelling to Shimla, Kasauli, Chail, Narkanda, Kufri, Dharamshala, Manali, and Rohtang must also follow the diversion plan.

What This Means for Travelers

The partial reopening is helpful for cars and smaller vehicles, but buses, trucks, and other heavy carriers will need to wait until the road is fully restored. That may affect long-distance travel, logistics, and group tourism schedules across the region.

If you are planning a journey through this corridor, it is best to check the latest traffic update before departure. Mountain highways can change quickly due to weather, slope instability, and repair progress, so a little planning can save hours on the road.

Travel Tips for a Safer Trip

Leave early to account for delays on diversion roads.
Follow police instructions and avoid entering restricted sections.
Keep an eye on NHAI and district traffic updates before travelling.
Carry fuel, water, and emergency supplies if you are covering a long mountain route.

Impact on Local and Tourist Movement

This highway is not just important for local commuters; it also supports tourism and inter-district travel across Himachal Pradesh. With several major destinations depending on this route, even a temporary disruption can affect hotel arrivals, tour schedules, and passenger traffic.

Officials have made it clear that full access will resume only after the repair work is completed and the road is declared safe for all categories of vehicles.

CONCLUSION

The Shimla-Bilaspur-Dharamshala highway has reopened for light vehicles, but the situation remains restricted for heavy traffic. Travelers should continue using the official diversion routes and stay updated on repair progress until the stretch is fully restored.