Traffic on the vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Wednesday after a fresh landslide struck the Banihal sector in Ramban district, disrupting connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.

According to traffic department officials, the highway has been blocked at Shalgarhi in Banihal, where road clearance operations are currently underway. Continuous rainfall along the route has further complicated restoration efforts, prompting authorities to advise commuters against traveling on the highway until it is declared safe. Officials also urged the public to rely only on verified updates from traffic police control rooms in Srinagar and Jammu.

The highway had briefly reopened for vehicular movement on Monday after earlier disruptions. However, fresh incidents of shooting stones and landslides forced its closure again. At the time, debris clearance work was already in progress at key نقاط such as Karol Bridge and Chanderkote in Ramban district when another landslide hit the Banihal stretch, halting all movement.

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Adverse weather conditions, particularly heavy rainfall across the Jammu division, have slowed down efforts to restore the road. The affected stretch between Ramsoo and Ramban town is known for its ecological fragility, making it highly susceptible to landslides and falling rocks during inclement weather. Authorities indicated that clearance operations could take time depending on weather conditions.

The nearly 300-kilometre-long NH-44 serves as the primary lifeline for the landlocked Kashmir Valley, facilitating the transport of essential goods such as fuel, food supplies, and other daily necessities. Despite the presence of a rail link between Jammu and the Valley, the bulk of essential commodities continues to be transported via this highway.

Over the years, infrastructure upgrades including tunnels, bridges, and flyovers have significantly reduced travel time between Srinagar and Jammu from up to 12 hours to around five hours. However, the highway remains heavily dependent on weather conditions, and recurring disruptions due to landslides continue to pose challenges for both commuters and supply chains in the region.

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