Jammu–Srinagar National Highway Closed After Landslides, Multiple Routes Blocked Amid Snowfall
Srinagar, Oct 07: The lifeline of the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), has been temporarily closed following severe landslides, shooting stones, and mudslides at multiple locations, officials confirmed on Tuesday morning. The highway closure has disrupted vehicular movement, impacting commuters, transporters, and essential services across the region.
According to official traffic updates, the highway remains unsafe for travel, with clearance operations currently underway. Authorities have deployed men and machinery to clear debris and restore safe passage at critical points along the route.
Other Key Routes Affected
In addition to NH-44, several other vital roads in Jammu and Kashmir remain closed due to adverse weather conditions:
- Mughal Road: Connecting Poonch and Rajouri to the Kashmir Valley, this route has been blocked due to heavy snowfall in higher reaches.
- Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri (SSG) Road: Snow accumulation and icy conditions have made this road unsafe for travel.
- Sinthan Road: The mountain highway remains closed as authorities monitor landslide-prone areas and snow-laden sections.
Safety Advisory for Commuters
Officials have strongly advised the public not to travel on these roads until they are fully cleared and declared safe. Commuters and transport operators are urged to rely only on official traffic control updates and avoid circulating unverified information or rumors about road conditions.
“Travelers should postpone non-essential trips,” an official said. “Our teams are working around the clock to restore road connectivity safely. Public cooperation is essential to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations.”
Challenges in Clearance Operations
The ongoing operations face multiple challenges, including:
- Continuous rockfall and landslides at critical points along NH-44.
- Snow accumulation in high-altitude sections, making heavy machinery movement difficult.
- Risk of secondary landslides due to unstable terrain and heavy rainfall in some areas.
Authorities have coordinated with the Public Works Department (PWD), National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), and local traffic police to expedite road clearance and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Impact on Transportation and Economy
The closure of NH-44, the Mughal Road, and other key highways has significant implications:
- Commuters face delays or cancellations of long-distance travel plans.
- Goods transporters may experience disruptions in supply chains, affecting essential commodities and local businesses.
- Tourism in popular destinations such as Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg could be temporarily affected due to road inaccessibility.
Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and have advised residents and travelers to stay updated via official portals and local news channels for the latest developments.
Looking Ahead
With clearance operations underway and weather monitoring continuing, officials are optimistic that road connectivity will be restored in the coming days, depending on weather stability and the pace of debris removal. Commuters are urged to remain patient and avoid taking risks until authorities confirm safe passage.
Stay Informed: For real-time updates on road conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, travelers should follow official traffic updates provided by the Traffic Police Jammu & Kashmir and NHAI advisories