New Year revellers choke Manali, traffic jams bring hill station to a halt

Massive traffic jams continue in Manali as thousands of tourists flock to the town for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Record-breaking traffic movement is observed at the Atal Tunnel, with 28,210 vehicles passing through in the last 24 hours. Traffic congestion is reported in Solang and Dhundi, as well as in Sissu in Lahaul and Spiti. Lack of proper traffic management leads to jams in Tirthan and Parvati valleys. Tourists are advised to avoid driving in the early morning and evening hours due to black ice and restricted traffic movement up to Darcha in Lahaul and Spiti.