Manali-Leh Highway reopened after snow clearance, vehicular movement to begin soon
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Shimla/Manali, May 12, 2026:In a major development for connectivity in the Himalayan region, the strategically important 427-km-long Manali-Leh Highway has been reopened after extensive snow clearance operations by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Officials said vehicular movement on the highway is expected to begin within the next few days after final coordination with the district administration of Lahaul and Spiti and completion of safety assessments.
The route, which holds major strategic and logistical importance, was restored jointly by BRO’s Deepak and Himank projects. On Tuesday, officials of both projects met at Sarchu and welcomed each other after successfully reconnecting the highway from both sides.
The reopening of the Manali-Leh route is expected to boost military logistics, tourism and transportation between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh ahead of the summer travel season.
Authorities said a final decision regarding public vehicular movement will be announced shortly after road safety inspections and weather assessments are completed.