Directs DC Anantnag to make arrangements for stranded commuters
DC, SSP reaches on the spot to assist commuters
Srinagar, Dec 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday directed the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag to make necessary arrangements for commuters stranded along the NH44 due to heavy snowfall in the region.
Omar Abdullah highlighted the icy conditions along the 270-kilometer Srinagar-Jammu highway, which have caused significant traffic congestion. He mentioned that vehicles in both directions are gradually moving, with assistance being provided where needed.
In a post on X, CM Abdullah stated, “I just spoke to DC Anantnag about the current situation of the road between Qazigund and the tunnel. The icy conditions have caused traffic to back up, but the stranded vehicles are slowly moving, and where necessary, they are being assisted. The DC is on the spot with his team.”
He also mentioned that he had instructed the DC to prioritize vehicles with families and children. “If necessary, arrangements for overnight shelter will be made. The DC is accompanied by an ambulance in case of any medical emergency,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, confirmed that traffic movement has slowed due to slippery roads caused by fresh snowfall.
“The traffic is moving slowly, and I am at the spot with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag and other officials. We are working to clear the traffic through the Jawahar Tunnel,” he said.
DC Anantnag further explained that while the area has not received heavy snowfall, the roads have turned slippery due to the wet spell. “In addition, SSP Kulgam and officers from Kulgam Police are assisting commuters stranded along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to the snowfall,” he added.
Meanwhile in view of snowfall & slippery road conditions, the vehicular traffic & patients were stuck on roads at different places in Kulgam. Police swung into action & provided #helping hand to commuters whose vehicles were stranded due to snowfall.
Earlier, CM Omar Abdullah shared his experience of driving from Jammu to Srinagar, saying, “It snowed continuously from Banihal to Srinagar. The conditions were quite treacherous. I understand around 2,000 vehicles are stuck between the tunnel and Qazigund.
“My office has been in touch with the administration in South Kashmir. While snow clearance has been done, the road is very icy. Heavy vehicles are being allowed to move, and efforts are ongoing to clear the rest of the stranded vehicles, he said.
