Jammu-Srinagar Highway Remains Closed for Second Day Amid Ongoing Ramban Road Clearance Operations
Heavy rains trigger multiple landslides, stranding over 400 vehicles along NH-44
JAMMU, Apr 8: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Tuesday due to ongoing landslide clearance operations in the Ramban district amid persistent rainfall, officials reported.
The 270-km highway, the only all weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, was initially blocked by multiple landslides on Monday. Although briefly reopened on Tuesday morning, fresh landslides forced authorities to halt traffic once again.
According to the latest traffic advisory at 10 am, road clearance efforts are underway at Shalgarhi and Banihal. “Road clearance is ongoing, but it will take some time as continuous rainfall hampers operations,” the advisory stated.
A traffic police spokesperson confirmed that movement has been suspended in both directions from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa following a heavy landslide between Digdol and Khooni Nallah. “The highway is completely blocked,” he said.
More than 400 vehicles remain stranded at various points along NH-44. Machinery and personnel have been deployed to remove debris, but intermittent rainfall is slowing progress.
Authorities have urged commuters to avoid traveling on the highway until full restoration is completed. “People are advised not to rely on rumours and should check road status through official traffic police channels and social media updates,” the spokesperson added.
