Rockfall Disrupts Traffic On Badrinath Highway Near Pipalkoti In Uttarakhand: VIDEO
Landslides near Pipalkoti block Badrinath Highway after heavy rains, stranding travelers. Ongoing stonefall hampers road clearing. Authorities urge caution and advise delaying travel.
A major landslide triggered by relentless overnight rainfall has brought traffic to a standstill on the Badrinath National Highway near Bhanerpani, Pipalkoti, causing significant disruption for pilgrims and tourists traveling to the revered shrine of Badrinath. A dramatic video released by the Chamoli Police captures the severity of the situation — massive rocks and muddy debris can be seen crashing down from the hillsides, completely engulfing the highway and turning it into a dangerous, impassable zone.
The incident, which unfolded early Monday morning following intense downpours since Sunday night, has left long queues of stranded vehicles on both sides of the affected stretch. Travelers, many of them pilgrims headed toward one of Uttarakhand’s holiest sites, have been forced to wait indefinitely as road clearance efforts continue under treacherous conditions. According to official updates from the Chamoli Police and the Chardham Police Control Room, debris removal operations are currently underway.
However, these efforts are being significantly hindered by the ongoing stonefall, making it unsafe for workers and slowing progress. “The road has been blocked again due to debris falling from the hill near Bhanerpani (Pipalkoti) on the Badrinath National Highway,” Chamoli Police confirmed in a post shared on their official X (formerly Twitter) account.
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | Road blocked near Bhanerpani, Pipalkoti on the Badrinath National Highway due to rocks falling from the hill, say Chamoli Police.
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2025
(Video source: Chamoli Police) pic.twitter.com/N2oUBszbeD
This is not the first time the route has been affected. The same stretch had briefly reopened on the morning of June 23 after a temporary clearance effort, only to be shut down again following fresh landslides in the area.
The recurring blockage highlights the vulnerability of the region’s road infrastructure during the monsoon season. In light of the current conditions, authorities are urging all travelers and devotees to exercise caution and avoid the route until it is deemed safe.
Emergency helpline numbers — 0135-2714484 and 9897846203 — have been made available for those needing assistance or information. The Chardham Police Control Room has also issued an advisory, encouraging people to remain patient and not attempt to cross the affected zone.
With the monsoon intensifying in Uttarakhand, such natural disruptions are becoming increasingly frequent — a stark reminder of the challenges that come with navigating the fragile Himalayan terrain. For those hoping to visit the sacred site of Badrinath, the wait may be uncertain, but safety remains paramount.
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