Jammu-Srinagar Highway Blocked by Landslides
Heavy rains halt traffic, commuters urged to wait.
The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, a critical lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India, was shut down early Monday due to multiple landslides and shooting stones triggered by relentless heavy rainfall in Ramban district. The J-K Traffic Police Department issued an advisory confirming the closure, citing dangerous conditions caused by falling debris at several points along the 270-km arterial road, particularly in the vulnerable Ramban and Udhampur districts.
"Due to heavy rains, the Jammu-Srinagar highway is closed as shooting stones and landslides have blocked the road at multiple locations," the advisory stated, urging commuters to avoid travel until the weather stabilizes and the highway is cleared. Key affected areas include the Sharda Mata temple stretch in Udhampur, Monkey Morh, and the Maroog area in Ramban, where debris has rendered the road impassable.
Authorities have deployed men and machines to clear the blockades and restore traffic, but ongoing rains are hampering efforts. The highway, a vital route for essential supplies and passenger travel, frequently faces disruptions during the monsoon season due to its mountainous terrain. Meanwhile, inter-regional routes like the Mughal and Sinthan roads remain open, with officials advising commuters to adhere to lane discipline to prevent congestion caused by overtaking.
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The closure has stranded travelers and disrupted supply chains, with locals and truck drivers awaiting updates on when the highway might reopen. The J-K administration is closely monitoring the situation, prioritizing safety while working to clear the debris. Commuters are advised to stay updated through official channels and refrain from traveling until conditions improve.
