Himachal Snowfall: 535 Roads Closed, PWD Deploys 264 Machines for Clearance

• Heavy snowfall has led to the closure of 535 roads, including four National Highways, across Himachal Pradesh.
• The Public Works Department (PWD) has deployed 264 machines, including JCBs, robots, dozers, and tippers, for snow clearance operations.
• A review meeting was held by the Engineer-in-Chief, HPPWD, directing officials to ensure time-bound restoration of roads.
• Of the closed roads, 511 are village roads, 20 major district roads, and four National Highways; 199 roads are expected to reopen by January 23.
• The estimated loss due to the snowfall is pegged at ₹6.03 crore, with restoration efforts ongoing in affected districts like Shimla, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti.

Why It Matters: Himachal Pradesh faces widespread road closures due to heavy snowfall, with PWD actively engaged in clearance.