Landslides Shut Down Srinagar-Jammu Highway for Second Day
Srinagar, March 3: The critical Srinagar-Jammu national highway, a vital artery connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country, remained closed for a second consecutive day on Sunday due to multiple landslides triggered by incessant rain.
Heavy Downpours Trigger Disruptions: Traffic department officials stated that incessant rain in the Ramban district caused several landslides, blocking the highway at various points. Due to these disruptions, commuters are advised to refrain from undertaking any journeys on this route without first contacting the control rooms in Srinagar or Jammu for updates on the situation.
Extensive Damage Reported: One official provided further details, stating that landslides and falling rocks have caused road closures at approximately twelve locations between Nashri and Banihal. He added that the situation is particularly critical near Pantiyal (outside Tunnel No. 5), where the road has suffered significant damage. Fortunately, restoration efforts aimed at reopening the highway are already underway in that area.
Impact on Essential Supplies: It is crucial to note that this highway serves as the primary route for transporting essential supplies into the Kashmir Valley, which is geographically isolated. The closure of this critical artery has the potential to disrupt the flow of essential goods, impacting the region’s residents significantly.
Additional Road Closures Due to Snow: Furthermore, other significant routes in the region remain closed due to heavy snowfall. These include the Srinagar-Leh highway, the Mughal Road, the Sinthan-Kishtwar road, the Bandipora-Gurez road, and the Kupwara-Tangdhar road.
