JAMMU, Oct 13: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has successfully restored two-way traffic movement for heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, ensuring the smooth transportation of essential commodities and fruit-laden trucks from the Valley to markets outside, officials said.
The 250 km long highway the only all weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country had been partially blocked since August 26 due to multiple landslides and road sinking at several locations, including Tharad Bridge and Balli Nallah in Udhampur district and Maroog in Ramban district, following heavy rainfall, flash floods, and cloudbursts.
After weeks of disruption, the road was partially opened for one way traffic on September 10, as NHAI teams worked round the clock to restore connectivity on a war footing.
“Following sustained efforts, the damaged stretches were repaired and blacktopped. The most affected portion near Tharad, between Udhampur and Chenani approximately 300 meters in length was fully blacktopped on October 5, enabling smooth passage for both HMVs and LMVs,” an NHAI official said.
The full restoration of two-way traffic will ease congestion and ensure uninterrupted movement along the critical Lakhanpur Jammu Srinagar corridor, vital for J&K’s economy and fruit trade.
NHAI has also requested local authorities to facilitate unrestricted two-way vehicular flow along the route to maintain steady traffic management.
“NHAI remains committed to maintaining operational efficiency on the highway, which serves as the economic lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the ongoing fruit season. Regular monitoring and maintenance teams are deployed along the route to ensure safe and smooth travel,” a spokesperson added.