Shimla, January 24, 2026 — Himachal Pradesh has been transformed into a winter wonderland as the most powerful Western Disturbance of the year sweeps across the region. While the fresh snow has brought joy to tourists and apple farmers, it has triggered a massive logistical challenge for the state administration.
Snowfall Disrupts Life: Roads and Power Hit
As of Saturday morning, January 24, 2026, over 530 roads across the state are blocked. The Atal Tunnel Rohtang and the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH-5) are currently inaccessible to light vehicles due to heavy snow accumulation.
The districts of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu remain the hardest hit, with several villages reporting power outages after 400+ transformers failed under the weight of the snow. The Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD) has deployed heavy machinery to clear arterial routes, but “black ice” remains a major safety concern for commuters.
Good News for Apple Farmers and Tourism
After a worryingly dry December, this late-January snowfall is being hailed as “White Gold” by the state’s apple orchardists. Experts suggest this moisture is vital for the 2026 apple harvest, ensuring the trees meet their required “chilling hours.”
Meanwhile, tourism in Shimla, Manali, and Dalhousie has seen a 40% spike in hotel bookings. To manage the rush and road blockages, the state government yesterday announced a new Heli-Taxi schedule connecting Shimla to Chandigarh and Kullu, effective from January 27, 2026.
HPRCA Recruitment 2026: 234 JOA (IT) Vacancies Announced
On the employment front, the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA) is trending today after releasing a notification for 234 Junior Office Assistant (IT) posts. Eligible candidates can begin their applications on January 27 through the official HPRCA portal.
Weather Forecast: Orange Alert for January 26-28
The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued a fresh Orange Alert. While a brief respite is expected tomorrow, a second wave of heavy snow and rain is forecasted to hit between January 26 and January 28, 2026.
Travel Advisory: Tourists are advised to check the HP Police Traffic Updates before traveling to high-altitude areas and to carry essential supplies, as temperatures in Keylong and Kalpa have plummeted to -10°C.