Srinagar: The strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was closed on Monday after a fresh landslide struck the Dewal area of Udhampur district, disrupting traffic on the only all-weather road link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
According to officials, debris from the landslide blocked the highway, prompting authorities to suspend traffic and launch immediate restoration work. Road clearance teams and heavy machinery have been deployed at the affected site to remove debris and restore vehicular movement at the earliest.
Authorities advise commuters to avoid travel
The Traffic Department has advised commuters not to undertake journeys on the Jammu-Srinagar highway until further notice. Travellers have been asked to check the latest road status with the Traffic Control Rooms in Jammu and Srinagar before starting their journey.
Authorities warned that the affected stretch remains vulnerable to fresh landslides, mudslides and shooting stones due to unstable weather and difficult terrain. Officials said traffic would resume only after the highway is declared safe for vehicular movement.
The Traffic Police also urged the public not to rely on rumours or unverified information regarding road connectivity and advised travellers to follow updates through the official Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police social media platforms or contact the Traffic Control Units in Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu.
Highway remains crucial for Kashmir connectivity
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway serves as the primary road link connecting the landlocked Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. It is also extensively used by Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, tourists and transport vehicles carrying essential supplies.
Although railway connectivity to the Valley has reduced dependence on the highway, NH-44 continues to play a vital role in passenger and freight movement. Unlike the railway network, road travel on the highway remains heavily dependent on weather conditions.
Officials noted that even light rainfall frequently triggers landslides, mudslides and shooting stones, particularly along the vulnerable Ramban-Udhampur stretch, leading to periodic traffic disruptions during the monsoon season.
Restoration work is currently underway, and authorities are expected to issue further updates once the highway is cleared and declared safe for traffic.