Rain Halts Repairs, Jammu-Srinagar Highway Shut for Fifth Day
Morning Rain Stalls Jammu-Srinagar Highway Repairs; NHAI Aims Reopening Soon
A sudden early morning downpour on Saturday thwarted the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) progress in restoring the vital 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which has remained shut for the fifth straight day due to landslides and debris.
NHAI Project Manager for the Ramban sector, Shubam, reported that a 30-minute intense rain washed away Friday's gains on a 250-meter stretch at Thard in the Udhampur district, buried under a collapsing hill. "We're mobilising men and machinery afresh on a war footing to reopen the road possibly by tonight or early tomorrow," he told PTI. The rest of the highway, the sole all-weather link between Kashmir and the rest of India, has been cleared for two-way traffic.
The closure, triggered by heavy rains earlier this week, caused multiple landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, and road washouts between Udhampur and Banihal, stranding hundreds of vehicles, primarily trucks, on both sides.
Also Read: Three Killed as Landslides Ravage Shimla District
Alternative routes offer limited relief: The Mughal Road, connecting Poonch-Rajouri to Shopian, is open for light motor vehicles, while the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag link remains blocked for the fourth day despite clearance operations.
The Meteorological Department forecasts light rain or thundershowers at scattered places on Saturday, with moderate spells possible in the Jammu division overnight into September 7-8. Brief showers may occur September 9-12, but no major activity is expected until then.
Travellers are advised to monitor updates as authorities prioritise safety amid ongoing monsoon challenges, impacting connectivity and supplies in the region.
