Heavy snowfall in the Pir Panjal range has severed two vital road links that provide alternative connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, causing significant disruption. The historic Mughal Road and the Sinthan-Kishtwar Road have been rendered impassable due to substantial snow accumulation and the heightened risk of avalanches.
Key Highways Buried Under Snow
The closure of these routes has effectively cut off important travel and trade corridors. The Mughal Road, which connects the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in the Jammu division to the Shopian district in Kashmir, is now blocked near the Pir Ki Gali summit. Officials from the Mechanical Engineering Department confirmed that the road is closed for all types of traffic due to heavy snowfall and dangerous avalanche conditions.
Similarly, the Sinthan-Kishtwar Road, linking the Anantnag district in Kashmir with the Kishtwar district in Jammu, is also shut down. The blockage is specifically at the Sinthan Pass, a high-altitude section that is notoriously vulnerable to severe winter weather.
Official Response and Restoration Efforts
Authorities have swung into action to address the crisis. A senior official stated that men and machinery have been deployed to clear the snow from both strategic roads. However, the restoration work is being conducted with extreme caution. The primary focus is on ensuring the safety of the clearance teams, as the areas are under a serious avalanche threat.
The official further explained that the snow clearance operations will be intensified once the weather conditions improve and the immediate avalanche danger subsides. The timeline for reopening the roads remains uncertain and is entirely dependent on the whims of the weather and successful mitigation of avalanche risks.
Impact on Connectivity and Travel
These road closures have a pronounced impact on regional connectivity. The Mughal Road and Sinthan Pass serve as crucial alternative links to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44). When the main highway faces closures due to landslides or shooting stones, particularly in areas like Ramban, these routes become lifelines for the movement of people and goods.
Their current inaccessibility leaves the Kashmir Valley heavily reliant on the often-unpredictable NH44, potentially leading to isolation and supply chain issues. The blockade also affects inter-district connectivity within the Jammu division and between Jammu and Kashmir divisions, disrupting local travel and commerce.
Residents and travelers are advised to avoid these routes until official announcements confirm they are safe for traffic. The administration is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as the snow clearance operations progress.
