Srinagar, Mar 01: The crucial 270-kilometer Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been reopened for light motor vehicles after extensive restoration work, following heavy snowfall and landslides. However, the Srinagar-Sonamarg road and Mughal road remain blocked due to snow accumulation.
The arterial road, the only all-weather link between Kashmir and the rest of the country, was closed on Thursday evening due to severe weather conditions in the Ramban district. Heavy rains triggered multiple landslides and mudslides at a dozen locations, including Kishtwari Pather, Moum Passi, Hingni, Panthiyal, Mehar, and Dalwas. Additionally, snowfall between Qazigund and Ramsu made the road treacherous. A major landslide blocked one tube of the Kunfer-Peerah tunnel, and a section of the road near Mehar caved in, officials said.
Despite continuous rain hindering efforts on Friday, restoration work on the 66-kilometer Banihal-Nashri stretch intensified on Saturday morning as the weather improved.
“Light motor vehicles carrying passengers are now permitted to travel between Jammu and Srinagar,” a traffic department spokesperson confirmed.
Commuters are urged to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking to prevent congestion. “Passengers are advised to travel during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary stops between Ramban and Banihal due to the risk of landslides and shooting stones. Heavy motor vehicles will be allowed after a thorough road assessment,” the spokesperson added.
Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary said there are 16 locations along the 66-kilometer stretch that are prone to landslides.
“The road is cleared at most points, except near Mehar, where the width has been reduced,” he stated, adding that the issue at Mehar will be addressed within two weeks. He also confirmed that the Peerah landslide will not disrupt traffic, as it has been diverted through another tunnel.
Chaudhary, along with Ramban SSP Kuldeep Singh and SSP (National Highway) Rohit Raskotra, inspected the vulnerable areas. “All stranded vehicles have been cleared,” he said, urging commuters to adhere to traffic advisories before traveling.
The spokesperson said that a decision regarding two-way vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar NHW will be taken on Sunday after a thorough assessment of road conditions and approval from road maintenance agencies.
Meanwhile, due to fresh snowfall along the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road and Mughal Road, no traffic will be allowed on these highways on Sunday.
Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said there is a forecast for generally cloudy conditions, with the possibility of light rain or snow in isolated areas on March 2.
“On March 3, light to moderate rain or snow is expected across most locations. Notably, higher reaches in North and Central Kashmir may experience moderate to heavy snowfall,” he added.
Dr. Mukhtar also stated that from March 4 through March 9, weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled. A fresh spell of rain or snow is anticipated to impact the region again from March 10 to 12.
A JKDMA spokesperson said that an avalanche with a medium danger level is likely to occur above 2500 meters in Baramulla during the next 24 hours. Avalanche danger is expected to persist for several days.
Residents in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone zones.
