The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir to the rest of India, remained closed for fresh traffic, marking its sixth consecutive day of disruption due to relentless rains and a fresh landslide. The closure has stranded commuters and halted essential supplies, with restoration efforts severely hampered by adverse weather conditions, officials reported.

A massive 150-meter landslide at Tharad, between Chenani and Udhampur, has blocked one tube of the highway and threatens the second, according to Shubam, Project Manager at the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) in Ramban. “Torrential rains are preventing our teams from clearing the debris,” he said, noting that men and machines are on standby, awaiting a break in the weather to resume work. On Saturday, partial traffic restoration allowed some stranded vehicles to move, but the road near Tharad Bridge to Balli Nallah began sinking, forcing authorities to halt all movement.

The Traffic Department has advised against travel on the highway until repairs are complete, urging the public to ignore rumors and await official updates. Widespread rainfall across the Jammu region, particularly in Udhampur, has further disrupted normal life, compounding the crisis. In Jammu city, the circular road connecting Gujjar Nagar to Sidhra via Panjtirthi, known as “Thandi Sadak,” was also shut down due to falling stones and landslides at multiple points. Commuters are being redirected to alternative routes to ensure safety.

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The ongoing closure has raised concerns about supply chain disruptions, with essential goods like food and fuel facing delays. Local residents and businesses in Kashmir and Jammu are feeling the strain, as the highway serves as a critical economic and logistical lifeline. Authorities are coordinating with meteorological teams to monitor weather patterns, but with forecasts predicting continued rain, the restoration timeline remains uncertain. The NHAI and local administration are prioritizing safety while working to clear debris and stabilize the highway, urging patience as they battle nature’s unrelenting challenge.

Also Read: Jammu-Srinagar Highway Blocked by Landslides