NHAI restores traffic on NH-44 at Ladha after heavy rainfall-induced landslide

Jammu Tawi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Friday restored two-way traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) at Ladha near Samroli in Udhampur district after intensive clearance operations following rain-induced landslides.

According to NHAI, continuous heavy rainfall since July 18 triggered a landslide late on July 23 along the Udhampur-Chenani stretch of NH-44, forcing the temporary closure of the highway.

NHAI immediately deployed men and machinery to the affected site and restored partial traffic movement within about two hours by making the road temporarily motorable.

However, fresh heavy rainfall on Friday morning caused another landslide at the same location, resulting in a renewed blockage of the highway. Restoration work had to be temporarily suspended due to unsafe weather conditions.

After the rainfall subsided around 2 pm, NHAI teams resumed clearance operations. With adequate manpower and heavy machinery deployed, the debris was removed and the highway was fully reopened for two-way traffic within about four hours.

Officials said all stranded vehicles have since been cleared, and traffic is now moving normally on the highway.

NHAI said it remains on high alert across vulnerable stretches of NH-44, with emergency teams and equipment stationed at strategic locations to respond swiftly to any weather-related incidents.

The authority has advised commuters to follow lane discipline, drive cautiously, and adhere to traffic advisories issued by the concerned authorities while travelling on the highway.