Driving at night? Expect delays on Chandigarh-Manali Highway this May; find all details here

The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway (NH-3), a vital link between the plains and the hill regions of Himachal Pradesh, is undergoing scheduled night-time closures throughout May 2025.These closures aim to facilitate essential safety measures and expedite infrastructure enhancements.
Highway traffic will be stopped every day between May 2 and May 31 during two designated time windows: from 12:30 AM to 2:30 AM and again from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM. The purpose of these intervals is to enable safe hill-cutting and blasting activities, which are essential for the ongoing stabilisation and road-widening projects.
Both locals and visitors traveling between Chandigarh and Manali are likely to be affected by these restrictions. To minimize delays, travelers are advised to plan their trips accordingly and avoid the scheduled shutdown periods. Those traveling long distances or transporting goods may need to explore alternative routes or adjust their travel plans.
Read more: 5 hidden waterfalls in India that you have to trek to find

The nighttime closures are a component of a larger plan to improve the Chandigarh-Manali highway's efficiency and safety. In order to handle growing traffic volumes and reduce the hazards of landslides, road-widening and hill-cutting operations are crucial. Given the highway's history of natural disaster-related delays, including the landslide-caused shutdown near Mandi in September 2024, these upgrades are especially important.
While the road closures may cause temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits are significant. The region is set to experience enhanced road safety, reduced travel times, and better connectivity. These infrastructure improvements are expected to boost trade and tourism, ultimately strengthening local economies and fostering the overall growth of Himachal Pradesh.

Planning a late-night cruise through the hills? Not so fast! Authorities are urging all travelers to stick to the highway closure schedule and follow instructions from traffic personnel.Keep an eye on official updates and plan your journey outside the blocked hours—because getting stuck in a mountain jam at 2 AM is no one’s idea of fun. Be sharp, stay safe, and steer clear of the detour drama!
Read more: World’s 10 most colourful reptiles — and where to spot them
The continued upgrades to the Chandigarh-Manali highway highlight a strong commitment to safer, smarter travel. These improvements not only promise a smoother ride for commuters and tourists alike, but also lay the groundwork for long-term regional growth and connectivity.