Sgr-Jmu highway partially reopens for stranded vehicles
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By Abid Bashir
- Comments 0
- 09 Apr 2026
Fresh landslides risk continues Authorities advise against unnecessary travel
Srinagar, Apr 08: After remaining shut for hours due to heavy landslides and relentless rainfall, the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway was partially reopened on Wednesday evening for clearance of stranded vehicles, including those carrying essential supplies.
The highway, which serves as the Valley’s lifeline, had plunged into a crisis earlier in the day as multiple landslides at vulnerable locations, including Nashri, Karol, and Shalgari near Banihal, blocked the road completely, halting vehicular movement and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides.
Following intensive round-the-clock efforts by road clearance agencies, authorities managed to restore limited connectivity, allowing stranded vehicles from the Jammu side to move towards Srinagar in a regulated manner.
Deputy Inspector General of Traffic, Dr Haseeb Mughal, said: “The highway was completely blocked earlier due to landslides at multiple points. The ongoing downpour continues to pose challenges. Restoration work is still in progress at several locations. Continuous rainfall is slowing down clearance, and there is a risk of fresh landslides and shooting stones.”
However, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Highway Adil Hameed said that they have allowed vehicles carrying essential supplies and those stuck at Banihal to proceed towards Srinagar. “There is no fresh movement of vehicles on the highway,” he said. “We will be able to take a call about full restoration of the highway on Thursday morning.”
Officials said hundreds of vehicles, including trucks carrying essential commodities such as food supplies and fuel, had been stranded since morning, triggering concerns over supply disruptions. The phased movement is now expected to ease congestion and facilitate the movement of essential goods into the Valley.
Despite the partial reopening, authorities have urged commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow traffic advisories. “People should not rush onto the highway. Movement is being regulated, and only stranded vehicles are being allowed initially,” an official said.
Stranded passengers, while expressing some relief, said the situation had been extremely difficult. “We have been waiting for hours with no certainty, but it is a relief that movement has finally started,” said Farooq Ahmad, who was stuck near Qazigund.
Another passenger said, “The conditions were tough, especially with families and elderly people. We just hope the road remains open and we reach safely.”
Meanwhile, Director Meteorological Department Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad, said that the prevailing spell of erratic weather is likely to continue till April 10. He noted that plains will continue to receive intermittent rainfall, while higher reaches may witness light snowfall, which could further affect restoration efforts.
Officials said the fragile terrain, combined with wet conditions, continues to make the highway vulnerable, with intermittent reports of minor slides and shooting stones still coming in.
While the partial reopening has brought temporary relief, authorities said full restoration of two-way traffic will depend on weather conditions and complete clearance of debris. For now, the focus remains on ensuring safe and regulated movement, even as the Valley’s vital road link continues to operate under strain.
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