Massive landslide hits Pathankot, Cuts off Himachal-Punjab road link

September 5, 2025

Pathankot, Sep 5: A major landslide in Pathankot on Friday caused widespread destruction and brought traffic to a standstill after incessant heavy rains. The incident took place in the Chakki River area, where an entire hill collapsed, damaging the Chakki River embankment and blocking the vital road connecting Himachal Pradesh with Punjab.

The landslide also caused extensive damage to nearby houses, forcing residents to evacuate immediately. Authorities have appealed to people living in vulnerable areas to move to safer places as a precautionary measure. The Chakki Bridge, which was already weakened by the rains, was damaged earlier, further exacerbating the crisis.

Vehicular traffic on the Airport Road, a key link in Pathankot, has been completely stopped. This has cut off connectivity between Himachal and Punjab, leaving many passengers and transporters stranded. Local sources said the force of the landslide was so strong that large rocks and debris swept away parts of the road, making the restoration work difficult in the ongoing rains.

Residents expressed grief and fear, saying they had never seen such devastation before. Many families have lost their homes and belongings, and emotional scenes emerged from evacuated areas, where people broke down in tears as they were forced to leave their homes.

Pathankot, which has been receiving incessant rains since the onset of monsoon, is one of the worst-hit areas in Punjab. Officials from the district administration, disaster management teams and police rushed to the spot to assess the damage and start relief operations. Heavy machinery is being deployed to remove the debris, though officials warned that the incessant rains are hampering rescue and repair efforts.

Authorities have sounded a high alert in the area, fearing more landslides if the rains continue. The situation remains tense, and people have been advised to stay away from affected areas.