JAMMU, July 10: The 270-kilometer Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained shut for the third day in a row on Monday as authorities worked diligently to restore the crucial all-weather road that connects Kashmir with the rest of the country, according to officials.
The closure of the highway came into effect on Saturday due to continuous rainfall, which triggered multiple landslides and caused significant damage to a section of the road near Panthiyal Tunnel and Chamba-Seeri in Ramban district, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded.
“While most parts of the highway are now clear of obstructions and are suitable for traffic, a 60-meter portion of the Chamba-Seeri stretch has been washed away. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is working tirelessly at Chamba-Seeri, exploring alternate alignments to expedite the road’s restoration,” stated a traffic department official.
The official further added that the restoration work would require some time, and priority would be given to clearing the stranded vehicles once the road becomes accessible. However, no fresh traffic will be allowed from either Jammu or Srinagar until the stranded vehicles are cleared.
A police spokesperson advised individuals to refrain from traveling on the highway until confirmation is issued by the administration.
The spokesperson highlighted that the closure of the highway was a result of incessant rainfall in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to significant damage to NH-44, particularly in the Ramban district.
Heavy motor vehicle drivers were advised to use the Mughal Road, an alternate route that connects the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu with the south Kashmir Shopian district.
Efforts are underway to restore traffic on the national highway at the earliest, assured the spokesperson, emphasizing the administration’s dedicated efforts.
According to traffic officials, the Mughal Road, which was also affected by landslides over the weekend, has been cleared for two-way traffic. Commuters reported smooth movement on the Mughal Road at the time of the last update.
