Traffic Suspended on Jammu–Srinagar National Highway Due to Landslides and Heavy Rain

Relentless Rain Forces Shutdown of J&K’s Lifeline

The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) — the only all-weather road link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India — has been completely closed following incessant rains that triggered landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones across multiple stretches.

Officials confirmed that no vehicular movement will be allowed between Nagrota (Jammu) and Qazigund (Kashmir) until further notice, citing ongoing risk to commuters.

Current Status & Affected Zones

🚨 Key Trouble Spots:

• Samroli to Banihal sector – hit by continuous mudslides and falling boulders.

• Tharad, Udhampur – reports of land subsidence and sinking road surface.

• Ramban and Darda – fresh landslides and partial road collapse.

🚫 Restrictions:

• No traffic allowed from Jammu → Srinagar or Srinagar → Jammu.

• Closure affects key stretches including Reasi, Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Banihal, and Srinagar.

Alternate Routes

While NH-44 remains suspended, authorities have provided limited alternatives:

• Mughal Road – open for light motor vehicles (LMVs) and essential heavy vehicles, but only under strict weather clearance and timing regulations.

• SSG Road (Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri) – movement allowed depending on Border Roads Organisation (BRO) clearance and road safety checks.

Authorities caution that these routes are narrow and fragile, and only essential travel should be undertaken.

Advisory for Commuters

The J&K Traffic Police has urged the public to:

• Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

• Carry valid photo ID if movement is essential.

• Check real-time updates with Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in:

  • Jammu: 0191-2459048

  • Srinagar: 0194-2450022

  • Ramban: 9419993745

  • Udhampur: 8491928625

  • Kargil: 01985-232225

🚦 Essential Vehicles Prioritized

Authorities said that once clearance is possible, fruit trucks and medical supplies will be prioritized for movement to avoid supply shortages in Kashmir.

Wider Impact of NH-44 Closure

The shutdown of NH-44 has far-reaching consequences:

• Supply Chains Disrupted – Vegetables, fruits, fuel, and medical supplies to Kashmir face delays.

• Economic Costs – Truckers, hoteliers, and small businesses reliant on road traffic face huge losses.

• Tourism Setback – Stranded tourists in Patnitop, Banihal, and Srinagar report cancellations and extended stays.

Restoration Timeline

Officials from National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and local administration are working to clear debris, but continued rainfall and shooting stones are slowing progress.

⚠️ Experts warn that full restoration may take days, depending on weather conditions. A final clearance timeline will be issued once stability is ensured.

Bottom-Line

The closure of NH-44 is yet another reminder of how fragile Himalayan infrastructure is in the face of climate-intensified rains and landslides. For now, authorities are urging patience and caution, stressing that safety comes first.

Until then, commuters must rely on Mughal Road and SSG Road, though under tight regulation. For Kashmir’s economy and connectivity, all eyes are on the skies — and on the men and machines working tirelessly to reopen the state’s vital lifeline.