Kashmir Valley Completely Isolated by Road Closures Amid Landslides

Jammu, Sep 4 (PTI): The Kashmir Valley has been completely isolated from the rest of the nation as all major surface routes, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, have been closed due to persistent landslides and road damage from heavy rainfall.

The shutdown, which began on August 26, has left more than 3,500 vehicles stranded from Kathua to Kashmir. Although the highway was briefly reopened on Monday to allow some vehicles to pass, issues persist.

"Landslides, mudslides, and falling stones have rendered the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, Mughal Road, and Sinthan Road impassable," a traffic police officer reported.

In addition to these closures, essential routes such as the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch and Batote-Doda-Kishtwar highways are also blocked, with road sections washed away or damaged. As a result, the Kashmir Valley is cut off via all major road networks.

The traffic advisory states that the Jammu-Srinagar road is closed for traffic from Jakhani in Udhampur towards Srinagar and vice versa due to damage in multiple sections. Commuters from Katra and Udhampur need valid photo IDs for identification to facilitate their passage when movement resumes.

Authorities are working to repair the affected Udhampur-Ramban-Banihal section urgently. Severely impacted areas include Shalgadi, Nachilana, Panthyal, Maroog, and Peerah in Ramban-Banihal, where retaining walls and road sections suffered significant damage, with one landslide affecting a tunnel tube.

In the Udhampur sector, around 10 kilometers of road between Jakhani, Thara D, Balli Nallah, and Dewal has been damaged, worsening the situation.

Over 3,500 vehicles remain stranded across Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, and the Kashmir Valley. The Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway has been closed since Wednesday night near the Kandi tunnel at Chowki Choura, leaving over 400 additional vehicles stranded due to road damage.

Efforts are underway to restore this highway for reconnecting Rajouri and Poonch and to facilitate essential services. The Batote-Doda-Kishtwar highway is also closed due to landslides in the Pul Doda area, affecting several hundred vehicles.

Likewise, the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag route is closed, and Mughal Road is shut down. Currently, the region relies solely on air travel via Srinagar Airport and the railway network from Katra to Srinagar for connectivity beyond its borders. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is crucial for vital supplies, passenger movement, and trade.

Additionally, inter-district routes in Kathua, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Reasi remain closed due to ongoing landslides and rockfalls, causing further isolation.

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