Jammu-Srinagar Highway Closed Due to Landslides, Strands 2,000 Vehicles

Jammu, Sep 3 (PTI) The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, a critical route in the Jammu region, was one of 11 roads closed on Wednesday due to landslides and mudslides triggered by continuous heavy rains, leaving over 2,000 vehicles stranded. The highway remained shut owing to these disruptions, including the washing away of road patches and sliding boulders, across the 250-km stretch connecting the valley to the rest of India.

Efforts are ongoing by multiple clearance organisations, despite facing heavy rains and flashfloods, to clear and restore traffic on these critical roads. Besides the Jammu-Srinagar highway, significant routes like Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch, Batote-Doda-Kishtwar, Simthan-Anantnag, and Mughal Road are closed due to landslides and as a precaution amid adverse weather.

“The Jammu-Srinagar highway, Mughal Road, Sonamarg-Srinagar-Gumari road, and Sinthan road face vehicular suspensions due to prevalent landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones,” reported J-K traffic police. Travellers are advised against journeying on these routes until conditions improve and clearance work concludes.

An official noted that no vehicles would proceed from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar, attributing this restriction to a stretch of road having sunk at Thard, Udhampur, alongside the numerous landslide-mudslide occurrences and moving stones along the highway. Similarly, vehicular movement is halted from Nagrota (Jammu) heading towards Reasi, Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Ramban, Banihal, and Srinagar.

Authorities request commuters from Katra and Udhampur to carry photo IDs to facilitate smooth passage if necessary. Over 2,000 vehicles remain stationary due to the highway closure.

The Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway has been closed since Tuesday night near Chowki Choura by the Kandi tunnel, causing over 300 vehicles to be stranded due to a damaged road surface. Restoration efforts are underway to reconnect Rajouri and Poonch and ensure the delivery of essential services.

The Batote-Doda-Kishtwar highway is likewise closed, with Pul Doda being particularly affected, resulting in stranded vehicles. Similarly, the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag highway is shut, accompanied by the Mughal Road's closure. Additionally, nine inter-district roads in Kathua, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Reasi have been shut down due to landslides and falling boulders.

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