Jammu-Srinagar Highway Reopens After Six-Day Blockade

Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was partially restored on Monday, September 1, 2025, after being blocked for six grueling days. The 250-kilometer highway, the lifeline connecting Kashmir to the rest of India, had been crippled by multiple landslides and road damage at critical points, including Tharad Bridge and Balli Nallah in Udhampur district, and Maroog in Ramban district, since August 27.

A traffic department official reported, “The Jammu-Srinagar national highway is now partially open for vehicular movement, and we are clearing stranded vehicles around the damaged stretches in a regulated manner.” The restoration has brought hope to travelers, truckers, and locals who rely on this all-weather road for essential supplies, commerce, and connectivity.

The highway’s closure had caused significant disruptions, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and creating logistical nightmares for residents and businesses in the region. Essential goods, including food and medical supplies, faced delays, impacting daily life in Kashmir. The landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall, coupled with the sinking of road sections, had rendered the highway impassable, testing the resilience of commuters and authorities alike.

Also Read: Jammu-Srinagar Highway Shut for Sixth Day Amid Landslides

On Sunday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah personally inspected the restoration efforts along the strategic artery. He assured the public that teams were working tirelessly to fully restore the highway. “Our priority is to ensure early and complete restoration of this critical route,” Abdullah said, emphasizing the highway’s role as the backbone of the region’s economy and connectivity.

Efforts to clear debris and repair damaged sections have been ongoing round-the-clock, with engineers and workers battling challenging conditions to reopen the road. The partial restoration marks a significant step forward, but authorities caution that full traffic flow may take additional time as repairs continue at vulnerable spots.

The Jammu-Srinagar highway, often referred to as the “lifeline of Kashmir,” is the only all-weather road linking the valley to the rest of the country. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it facilitates the movement of goods, services, and people, while also serving as a critical route for security forces. The recent disruptions have underscored the need for long-term measures to strengthen the highway against natural calamities.

As traffic begins to move again, commuters are advised to follow official guidelines and exercise caution, as some sections remain precarious. Authorities are optimistic that ongoing efforts will soon restore normalcy, reconnecting Kashmir with the rest of India seamlessly.

Also Read: Landslides Paralyze Jammu-Srinagar Highway for Third Day