Jammu–Srinagar Highway Closed Due to Heavy Rain, Shooting Stones in Ramban
By: Javid Amin | 19 Aug 2025
The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), the only all-weather road linking Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, has been closed indefinitely following relentless rainfall, landslides, and dangerous shooting stones in Ramban district. Authorities have suspended all vehicular movement, warning commuters that travel remains unsafe until clearance operations restore the road.
Ground Situation: Nature’s Fury Unleashed
Continuous heavy rain has destabilized mountain slopes, triggering multiple landslides and rockfalls. The most affected stretches include:
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Mehar, Cafeteria Morh, and Panthyal in Ramban district – known for frequent shooting stones.
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Low-lying areas facing flash floods, waterlogging, and road damage.
Dozens of stranded passenger vehicles and trucks were halted en route. Many drivers and families reportedly spent the night on the roadside, waiting for clearance updates.
Meanwhile, the Kishtwar–Anantnag road has also been shut due to landslides, cutting off another critical link between the Chenab Valley and Kashmir.
Schools & Daily Life Disrupted
Authorities in Jammu province ordered closure of schools across at least 10 districts citing safety concerns after flash floods and slope failures. Local residents, particularly in Ramban, Udhampur, and Kishtwar, are facing power outages and blocked rural roads, worsening the crisis.
Advisory for Commuters
The Traffic Police Headquarters J&K has issued a strong advisory:
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Do not attempt to travel on NH-44 until official confirmation of reopening.
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Follow real-time traffic updates shared by police on social media and helplines.
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Avoid night travel in hilly areas due to the high risk of falling debris.
Rescue and clearance teams from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and local administration are working with heavy machinery to remove debris, but no timeline has been given for full restoration.
Silver Lining: Rail Connectivity Provides Relief
Amid road closures, the newly launched Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar, along with the operational freight train service, has emerged as a lifeline:
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Passengers stranded on highways have been able to shift to train travel.
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Essential supplies, including food and medicines, are being transported by rail, easing shortages in the Valley.
This alternative connectivity underscores the importance of the Udhampur–Banihal railway stretch, now proving vital during weather disruptions.
Climate Reality: Fragile Infrastructure in Himalayas
The closure once again highlights the vulnerability of Himalayan infrastructure. The Jammu–Srinagar highway is frequently blocked by landslides, especially in monsoon and winter. Experts warn that:
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Climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns, increasing the frequency of landslides.
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Overloaded slopes due to construction and deforestation worsen the risks.
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Dependence on a single arterial highway makes Kashmir highly vulnerable to economic and humanitarian disruption.
Key Takeaways
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NH-44 closed: No traffic allowed due to landslides, shooting stones.
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Ramban worst affected: Multiple choke points blocked.
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Schools shut: Across 10 districts in Jammu province.
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No timeline yet: Clearance work ongoing, commuters advised strict caution.
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Rail connectivity: Vande Bharat and freight trains offer critical backup.
