Fresh Snowfall Paralyzes Kashmir Valley, Disrupts Travel Networks
Kashmir Valley transformed into a winter wonderland on Tuesday as renewed snowfall blanketed the region, creating picturesque scenes but severely disrupting transportation networks across the territory. The continuous snowfall forced authorities to take immediate safety measures, affecting both road and air travel significantly.
Airport Operations Suspended Indefinitely
Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport were completely suspended on Tuesday after persistent snowfall and adverse weather conditions rendered the runway unsafe for aircraft movement. Airport officials confirmed that snow accumulation had compromised runway conditions, making it impossible to ensure safe take-offs and landings.
"As a precautionary measure and in the interest of passenger safety, all incoming and outgoing flights to and from Srinagar have been cancelled for the day," stated airport authorities. The suspension affected approximately 50 flights, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded who had planned to return home after spending the Republic Day holiday weekend in the Valley.
Official Statements and Passenger Advisory
Srinagar Airport issued a detailed statement on social media platforms, explaining: "Due to unfavorable weather conditions and continuous snowfall in Srinagar, the runway is currently not available for safe air operations. In view of passenger safety, all flights arriving at and departing from Srinagar for today have been canceled."
The airport authorities emphasized that airline and airport officials are continuously monitoring the weather situation. They assured passengers that flight operations would resume as soon as conditions improve and the runway is deemed safe for aircraft movement. Officials specifically stated that operations would only resume after weather conditions improve and the runway is properly cleared and certified safe.
Passengers were advised to:
- Contact their respective airlines for the latest flight status updates
- Stay updated with information issued by official sources
- Make alternate arrangements as necessary
The airport further shared: "In view of adverse weather conditions at Srinagar Airport and prevailing operational constraints, airlines have cancelled certain flights for today. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate arrangements."
Road Connectivity Severely Affected
Beyond air travel disruptions, the snowfall also forced the closure of the crucial Srinagar-Jammu national highway, the primary road link connecting Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. This dual disruption of both air and road connectivity created significant challenges for travelers and residents alike.
Weather Patterns and Regional Impact
A western disturbance brought overnight snowfall to most parts of Kashmir, with varying intensity across different regions. While plains including Srinagar experienced light to moderate snowfall, higher-altitude areas witnessed moderate to heavy snow accumulation.
The fresh snowfall transformed popular tourist destinations into breathtaking winter landscapes. Officials reported that locations like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam now present picturesque scenes that would typically attract winter tourism, though current conditions have made access challenging.
Meteorological departments continue to monitor the situation closely, with forecasts suggesting possible improvement in weather conditions over the coming days. However, authorities remain cautious about declaring when normal transportation services might resume, emphasizing that safety considerations must take precedence over convenience.
