Two-Way Traffic for Heavy Vehicles Restored on Jammu–Srinagar Highway After Weeks of Disruption

JAMMU, Oct 13: In a major relief to transporters, traders, and fruit growers, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has successfully restored two-way movement of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, restoring normal traffic operations after weeks of disruption. The move ensures smooth and uninterrupted transportation of essential commodities and fruit-laden trucks from the Kashmir Valley to markets across the country.

The 250-km highway, which is the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of India, had been severely affected by multiple landslides and road sinking incidents following heavy rains, flash floods, and cloudbursts in August and September. The worst-affected stretches were reported at Tharad Bridge and Balli Nallah in Udhampur district and Maroog in Ramban district, where traffic movement was suspended on August 26 due to extensive damage.

Officials said that the NHAI, with the support of local authorities, immediately launched round-the-clock restoration work, mobilizing men, machinery, and materials on a war footing to restore vehicular movement. After nearly two weeks of intensive efforts, the road was reopened for one-way traffic on September 10, allowing partial movement of goods vehicles and passenger traffic.

“Following sustained efforts, all damaged stretches were repaired and blacktopped to ensure stability and safety. The most critical portion near Tharad, between Udhampur and Chenani, measuring around 300 meters, was fully rehabilitated and blacktopped on October 5, enabling safe two-way passage for heavy and light motor vehicles,” an NHAI official said.

With this full restoration, traffic congestion has eased significantly along the vital Lakhanpur–Jammu–Srinagar corridor, ensuring faster transit of supplies and reducing travel delays. The NHAI formally requested the local administration on October 9 to permit two-way movement of all types of vehicles, emphasizing the importance of keeping the highway operational for the economic stability of Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the ongoing fruit export season.

The NHAI has assured continued monitoring of vulnerable stretches to prevent further disruption. “Dedicated monitoring and maintenance teams are deployed along the highway to ensure smooth, safe, and continuous movement. The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway is not just a road—it is the economic lifeline of the Union Territory, linking its people, trade, and aspirations to the rest of the nation,” an NHAI spokesperson said.

Officials added that long-term measures are also being implemented to enhance the disaster resilience of the highway, including drainage improvements, slope stabilization, and the use of advanced materials to withstand extreme weather events. The restoration of two-way traffic is expected to boost trade activity, reduce transportation costs, and restore logistical confidence among fruit traders, who depend heavily on the highway to transport apples and other produce from the Valley to major markets in Delhi, Punjab, and beyond.