Tourists advised not to travel to Nathiagali as avalanche blocked Murree-Nathiagali road

 Galyat Development Authority has issued advisory for tourists planning to travel to Murree and Galyat to experience snowfall

The Murree-Nathiagali road has been closed for traffic after heavy snowfall triggered an avalanche creating difficulties for the tourists in the area.

Heavy snowfall and road blocked

 A spokesperson of Galyat Development Authority has advised the tourists to avoid travelling to Nathiagali. The main highway is closed due to avalanche after heavy snowfall in Galyat”, the spokesperson said. He said that road clearance is not possible immediately due to extreme weather conditions. 

Heavy snowfall and too many vehicles have blocked many roads. Too many people have already arrived in Murree and Galyat to enjoy the snowfall. Heavy snowfall has also created many problems tourists. It is not possible to drive on some roads. 

So please get complete information before start your journey from the concerned departments. Bring with you enough food and clothes in case you stuck in the heavy snowfall. Please don't travel with small kids and elderly without making proper arrangements for stay overnight. Bring with you enough fuel to survive in traffic jam. 

Travel advisory

He said that a new travel advisory has been issued for the tourists as snowfall brought a large number of tourists to Murree.

The town has a parking capacity of nearly 35,00 vehicles while over 85,000 vehicles entered Murree during the last three days.

The tourists were advised to keep the air pressure in their vehicle’s tyres low and avoid stopping their cars in the middle of the road to capture selfies and photos.

He said that an enhanced number of traffic wardens under the supervision of inspectors were deployed at all important points to facilitate the tourists and regulate traffic flow.

In its daily update, Murree police said that 27,000 vehicles have entered the city since morning amid heavy snowfall. Assistant Commissioner Murree Muhammad Omar Maqbool on Thursday visited various roads including Jhika Gali and urged the tourists to follow traffic rules to avoid traffic congestion.

 Reviewing the arrangements made to ensure smooth flow of traffic during snowfall, he appreciated the efforts of the traffic wardens and said that despite heavy snowfall, they were performing their duties with commitment and dedication.

The AC said that due to the snowfall, thousands of tourists from all over the country were coming to the hill stations. The administration made special arrangements to ensure smooth flow of traffic and heavy machinery was being used to remove snow from different roads.

Get information before starting the journey

The tourists could contact the control room on 051-9269016, Assistant Commissioner Office on 0321-3219221 and Deputy Superintendent of Police, Murree on 0321-5615668 to get the latest information. Traffic Police helpline 051-9269200 could also be used in emergency, he added.  

                                                     Rukhsana Manzoor Deputy Editor