Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Partially Restored, Heavy Vehicles Remain Stranded
Srinagar 02 March 2025: The strategic 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather link connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country, was partially restored on Saturday. This restoration allowed passenger vehicles to resume travel, but hundreds of heavy vehicles carrying goods to the Valley remain stranded, awaiting clearance to proceed.
Closure and Disruptions:
The highway was closed on Thursday evening due to heavy snowfall and multiple landslides in the Ramban district. Heavy rains triggered shooting stones, mudslides, and landslides at a dozen locations, including Kishtwari Pather, Moum Passi, Hingni, Panthiyal, Mehar, and Dalwas. Snowfall between Qazigund and Ramsu left the road slippery, and a section of the road near Mehar caved in. Additionally, a major landslide blocked one tube of the Kunfer-Peerah tunnel.
Restoration Efforts:
Continuous rainfall on Friday hampered repair efforts. However, with improved weather conditions on Saturday morning, restoration work on the 66-km Banihal-Nashri stretch was intensified. Authorities deployed men and machinery to clear the debris and restore connectivity.
Current Status:
A traffic department spokesperson confirmed that light motor vehicles carrying passengers are now allowed to travel from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa. Commuters are urged to follow lane discipline and avoid overtaking to prevent congestion. Passengers are advised to use the highway only during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal due to the risk of landslides and shooting stones. Heavy motor vehicles will be allowed later, following a thorough assessment of road conditions.
Challenges and Vulnerable Locations:
Due to ongoing construction on the national highway in Ramban district, the soil along the road remains loose, often triggering landslides and shooting stones after rain and snow. Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary stated that at least 16 locations along the 66-km stretch had been rendered vulnerable by the recent rains. The road has been cleared in almost all affected areas, except Mehar, where the road width has shrunk due to sinking. This remains a challenge, and the concerned agency will address it within the next two weeks.
Inspections and Assurances:
Chaudhary, along with Ramban Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kuldeep Singh and SSP (National Highway) Rohit Raskotra, inspected vulnerable locations. He assured that the landslide at Peerah would not obstruct traffic, as vehicles were being diverted through the other tunnel tube. All stranded vehicles have been cleared, and commuters are advised to follow traffic advisories before traveling on the highway.
Weather Forecast and Advisories:
The meteorological center in Srinagar has issued a warning of fresh snow and rain at most locations on March 3, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected in some areas. Travelers have been advised to adhere to the traffic department’s guidelines and exercise caution while traveling on the highway.
Bottom-Line:
The partial restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has provided some relief to commuters, but challenges remain due to the ongoing weather conditions and vulnerable road sections. Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and smooth movement of vehicles. Travelers are urged to stay informed and follow advisories to navigate the highway safely.
