Jammu-Srinagar Highway Shut for Second Day; Clearance Work Continues in Ramban

JAMMU, Apr 8: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Wednesday as road clearance operations continued amid heavy rains in Ramban, officials said.

The 270-km strategic highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, was blocked by multiple landslides early Monday. Although briefly reopened on Tuesday morning, fresh landslides forced authorities to shut it again.

According to a traffic update issued at 10 am, the highway remains blocked, with clearance work underway at Shalgarhi and Banihal.

“Road clearance is going on, but it will take some time. Continuous rainfall along the highway is hampering efforts,” the advisory stated.

A traffic police spokesperson said movement has been halted in both directions following a major landslide between Digdol and Khooni Nallah. “The road is completely blocked,” he said.

Officials said more than 400 vehicles are stranded at multiple locations along the highway.

Men and machinery have been deployed to remove debris, but intermittent rains are disrupting restoration work.

Authorities have advised commuters to avoid travel on NH-44 until the road is fully cleared and restored.

“People should not pay heed to rumours and must check road status through official traffic police social media handles and control units,” the spokesperson added. (Agencies)