Heavy snowfall on Tuesday left 324 vehicles, including those carrying tourists, stranded at 15 Mile along the route to Nathula Pass and Changu Lake in Sikkim. The vehicles were caught in sudden snowfall while returning from the popular tourist spots. Of the 540 permits issued that day, 216 vehicles were able to return before the weather worsened.

In a prompt humanitarian response, the Indian Army stepped in to assist stranded vehicles and tourists along the Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg axis. Around 200 to 250 vehicles and 700 to 800 tourists were evacuated from the stretch between Milestone 13 and Milestone 17 in Gangtok district. Stranded visitors were provided shelter at the Army camp at 15 Mile as a precautionary measure.

Snow clearance operations are currently in progress, with personnel and equipment deployed to restore road connectivity as quickly as possible. The Army, in coordination with local authorities, is ensuring food, shelter, and necessary support for those affected while closely monitoring the situation.

Earlier, on February 23, troops from the Trishakti Corps rescued tourists stranded in sub-zero temperatures in East Sikkim. A total of 46 tourists were moved to a nearby Army camp, where they received medical aid, warm accommodation, and essential assistance. The operation also facilitated the safe relocation of over 150 tourist vehicles. Nathula Pass and Changu Lake remain major attractions, drawing visitors from across the country.