Rain triggers mudslide in Ramsu, disrupts traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway

Ramban, Apr 3: A fresh spell of rainfall across the Udhampur-Banihal sector of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway triggered a mudslide at Mom Passi in the Ramsu area on Friday afternoon, briefly disrupting vehicular movement on the highway.

Officials said traffic remained disrupted for nearly an hour due to the mudslide before restoration efforts allowed vehicles to pass.

Traffic officials said that shooting stones and mudslides also triggered near Jaswal Bridge Karool, however, traffic was diverted through an alternate road tube for the safety of commuters and vehicle operators.

Later, men and machinery of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) was pressed into service to clear the accumulated stones and landslides.

In view of the inclement weather conditions, authorities issued a fresh advisory urging commuters to exercise caution.

The Meteorological Department forecast further spells of rain and snowfall in the coming days, raising the risk of landslides and shooting stones along vulnerable stretches of the highway.

The Traffic Police advised the people to undertake journeys only after confirming the latest road status from Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Srinagar, Ramban, and Jammu, or through official social media platforms.

Passengers and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators have been specifically advised to prefer travel during daytime hours and avoid night journeys due to increased risks posed by landslides, shooting stones, and ongoing construction activities.

Despite the challenges, hundreds of passenger vehicles, including private cars and buses, managed to cross the affected stretches, while goods carriers continued to ply at a reduced pace.

Subject to fair weather and good road conditions, LMVs and heavy vehicles would be allowed to ply on either side of the highway on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Kishtwar-Sinthantop-Anantnag Highway remained closed due to heavy accumulation of snow, further affecting regional connectivity.

Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and reiterated their appeal to commuters to stay updated on weather and traffic conditions before planning any journey.