Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Faces Third Day of Complete Closure
Traffic movement on the crucial Jammu-Srinagar national highway, designated as NH-44, remained completely suspended for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. This extended disruption comes as fresh landslides continue to occur amid persistent heavy rainfall in the Ramban district, according to official statements from local authorities.
Persistent Landslides Halt Vital Kashmir Link
The NH-44 serves as the only all-weather road connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. The current crisis began early Monday when multiple landslides, triggered by recent intense rainfall, completely blocked the highway. Although the road was partially reopened for a brief period on Tuesday morning, this respite was short-lived. Two major subsequent landslides forced authorities to close the highway once again, highlighting the ongoing instability of the terrain.
Official Advisory Warns Against Travel
An official traffic advisory posted on the social media platform X at 3 PM on Wednesday confirmed that the highway remained blocked. Clearance operations were actively underway at two critical locations: Shalgarhi and Banihal. The advisory explicitly stated, "People are advised not to travel on NH-44 until the road is fully restored." This strong warning underscores the continued danger and the incomplete nature of the restoration work.
Stranded Vehicles and Hampered Efforts
Officials reported that the prolonged closure has led to a significant logistical backlog, with over 400 vehicles currently stranded on either side of the blocked sections. Intermittent rains are continuing to hamper restoration efforts, making the clearance operations challenging and unpredictable. Traffic authorities have also issued a plea to the public, urging citizens to rely solely on official sources for information. They have advised people to ignore circulating rumours and to check road conditions exclusively through official social media handles and contact numbers provided by the traffic department.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities working against time and weather to restore this essential lifeline for the region.
