Badrinath National Highway blocked near Pipalkoti due to heavy rainfall and landslide debris

Badrinath National Highway blocked near Pipalkoti due to heavy rainfall and landslide debris

Travelers and pilgrims heading to Badrinath are facing delays as a major stretch of the Badrinath National Highway near Bhanerpani, Pipalkoti in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district has been blocked due to heavy overnight rainfall and subsequent landslides on Sunday, June 22, 2025. A large volume of debris and continuous stonefall from the surrounding hills has made the road impassable, causing long queues of vehicles on both sides.

According to updates from the Chamoli Police and Chardham Police Control Room, efforts to clear the debris are underway. However, recurring stonefall from the hillside is creating hazardous conditions and significantly slowing down the clearing process.

In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, Chamoli Police confirmed: “The road has been blocked again due to debris falling from the hill near Bhanerpani (Pipalkoti) on the Badrinath National Highway.”

𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞

बद्रीनाथ राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग पर भनेरपानी ( पीपलकोटी) के पास पुन: पहाडी से मलबा आने के कारण मार्ग अवरुद्ध हो गया है। pic.twitter.com/POY67rWQPk

— Chamoli Police Uttarakhand (@chamolipolice) June 23, 2025

Earlier on June 23, 2025, the same stretch had been temporarily cleared after being shut since the night of June 22 due to heavy and uninterrupted rainfall. However, fresh landslides in the same area have led to another disruption, affecting traffic flow toward the sacred pilgrimage site.

Char Dham Yatra Route Open, But Travelers Urged to Stay Updated

While this particular segment of the highway remains blocked, authorities have confirmed that the Char Dham Yatra route in the district is otherwise open for traffic. Devotees and travelers heading to Badrinath are strongly advised to monitor real-time traffic updates and alerts shared by the Chamoli Police on their official social media platforms before commencing their journey.

Chamoli Sees Intense Rainfall in Past 24 Hours

The rainfall data from the past 24 hours highlights the intensity of the weather system affecting the region: Chamoli Tehsil: 93.66 mm (highest in district), Narayanbagad: 22 mm, Gairsain and Karnaprayag: 20 mm each, Jyotirnath: 10.4 mm, Pokhari: 5 mm, and Tharali: 2.5 mm, as per reports.

Advisory for Tourists and Pilgrims

All travelers planning to pass through the Bhanerpani–Pipalkoti stretch on NH-7 are strongly advised to exercise caution due to ongoing road clearance operations and the risk of further landslides.

Avoid any non-essential travel until the route is officially declared safe by authorities. Continuous stonefall and debris accumulation pose serious safety risks, and the situation may change rapidly depending on weather conditions.

Stay informed by following real-time updates from Chamoli Police and the Uttarakhand SDRF through their official social media handles. Travelers should also carry emergency supplies, including food, water, warm clothing, and necessary medications, as delays are likely.

Before setting out, make sure to check the latest weather forecasts, especially during the monsoon months, when landslides and flash floods are more frequent. Caution, preparedness, and patience are key to ensuring a safe journey in these high-risk areas.

The state government and district authorities are working around the clock to restore connectivity and ensure the safety of travelers. Until then, patience and precaution are urged for all commuting through this sensitive mountain route.

(With inputs from ANI)