A Himachal Pradesh landslide buried a passenger bus in Bilaspur district late Tuesday, killing at least 15 people including two children and injuring three more, as heavy rains triggered the disaster on a vital mountain highway.
The incident highlights the perils of travel in the Himalayas, where erratic monsoons amplified by climate change threaten lives and infrastructure across South Asia. Himachal Pradesh, a key tourist and transit hub, sees frequent such events that disrupt connectivity and claim dozens of lives yearly, straining regional economies reliant on road networks.
Bilaspur Landslide Accident Unfolds
The Himachal Pradesh landslide occurred around 6:30 pm on October 7, 2025, near Bhalughat in Jhandutta assembly segment. A private bus en route from Rohtak in Haryana to Ghumarwin in Punjab carried 20 to 35 passengers when a section of the mountain slope gave way. Debris cascaded onto the vehicle along the Pathankot-Mandi national highway, mangling the bus and burying it under tonnes of earth and boulders.
Local police arrived first at the scene, 100 km from state capital Shimla. “The whole mountain came crashing down,” one officer told reporters. Initial reports confirmed the bus lodged under a massive pile of rubble, with rescuers using shovels and bare hands to access the wreckage.
Intermittent showers complicated efforts, turning the site into a slippery hazard. The Bilaspur landslide accident followed days of torrential rain that saturated fragile slopes, a pattern seen across northern India this season.
Casualties in India Himachal Bus Tragedy
At least 15 passengers perished in the India Himachal bus tragedy, comprising nine men, four women and two children. Three children survived with injuries and received treatment at Berthin hospital near Bilaspur. Officials fear more remain trapped, with the toll potentially rising to 18 as recovery continues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow in a statement from his office. “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.” He announced ex-gratia payments of INR 200,000 for each deceased kin and INR 50,000 for the injured.
Himachal Landslide Rescue Operations Intensify
Himachal landslide rescue operations mobilised swiftly, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deploying from nearby stations. By Wednesday morning, October 8, over 50 personnel used excavators and JCB machines to clear mounds of soil. Manual searches focused on sifting through mud-soaked bags and seats for signs of life.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu monitored from Shimla and directed district authorities to prioritise the effort. “The news of a massive landslide near Balughat in the Jhandutta Assembly constituency of Bilaspur district has deeply shaken me,” he posted on X. He instructed expedited relief and ensured medical aid for survivors.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled the loss. “I am extremely saddened by the bus accident due to a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. NDRF teams have reached the incident site and are engaged in rescue operations. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident.” His office confirmed central aid for rehabilitation.
Jhandutta MLA Jeet Ram Katwal visited the site Tuesday night, coordinating with locals. Rescue workers paused briefly for safety amid aftershocks but resumed at dawn. Drones scanned the area for voids under the rubble, while ambulances stood ready.
The operation drew parallels to past Himachal disasters. In 2017, a similar Bilaspur landslide killed 48 at Kotrupi, exposing road vulnerabilities. This year’s rains have already claimed over 200 lives statewide from floods and slips.
Government Response to Himachal Pradesh Landslide
State and central governments activated protocols post the Bilaspur landslide accident. Himachal’s disaster management cell issued alerts for nearby highways, closing sections prone to further slides. The Public Works Department assessed damage to the national highway, estimating repairs at INR 5 million initially.
President Droupadi Murmu joined leaders in mourning the India Himachal bus tragedy. “The news of the deaths of several people in a bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is extremely tragic,” her office stated. “I express my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.”
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited affected families Wednesday afternoon, promising compensation and counselling. The state allocated INR 1 million per deceased from its relief fund, atop central ex-gratia.
Experts link the Himachal Pradesh landslide to prolonged monsoon extension. Typically ending mid-September, rains this year persisted into October, dumping 150% above average in Bilaspur. The India Meteorological Department warned of more showers through Friday, heightening risks.
Background: Monsoon Menace in the Himalayas
Himachal Pradesh faces annual threats from landslides, with over 1,000 recorded yearly. The 2023 season alone killed 85 and damaged 300 roads. Climate patterns shift monsoons, bringing intense bursts that erode slopes denuded by deforestation and construction.
In South Asia, similar woes plague neighbours. Nepal reported 44 deaths from mudslides last weekend, while Pakistan’s north saw flash floods displace thousands. Uttarakhand lost a village to floods in August 2025. These events cost the region USD 10 billion annually in damages, per World Bank data, underscoring calls for resilient infrastructure.
The Bilaspur incident revives demands for tunnel expansions and early warning systems. Activists urge stricter mining curbs near highways to prevent soil destabilisation.
What’s Next for Himachal Landslide Rescue Operations
Rescue teams aim to clear the site by Thursday evening, weather permitting. Forensic teams will probe the cause once debris lifts. Families demand DNA testing for identification if needed.
Authorities plan a review of bus routes through landslide zones. The IMD forecasts lighter rains post-weekend, aiding reconstruction. Compensation disbursals begin Friday.
In the wake of this Himachal Pradesh landslide, officials pledge sustained vigilance to safeguard travellers on precarious mountain paths.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 8th, 2025
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