What Happened to the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway?
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Synopsis
Heavy rain and shooting stones have caused the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, impacting essential travel and goods supply. Authorities urge caution as they work to clear debris and restore safe conditions. The introduction of the Vande Bharat train service provides an alternative transport option, easing the burden on this critical route.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rain and shooting stones forced the closure of the national highway.
- All traffic has been suspended as a safety measure.
- The Vande Bharat train service provides an important alternative for transportation.
- Freight trains are expected to alleviate essential shortages.
- Authorities are working on debris clearance and monitoring weather conditions.
Srinagar, Aug 18 (NationPress) Torrential rain accompanied by shooting stones led to the abrupt closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Monday, compelling authorities to halt all traffic on this vital route.
Officials from the traffic department reported that all forms of vehicular movement along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway have been suspended due to the hazards posed by shooting stones at various locations, rendering travel perilous.
As a precaution against the dangers of falling debris triggered by incessant rain, the highway has been shut down.
“The Jammu-Srinagar highway is currently closed due to shooting stones at multiple points. All types of vehicular movement have been halted as a safety measure,” stated an official.
Weather conditions in the area remain adverse, as indicated by the officials.
“Heavy rainfall prevails throughout the entire route, which has heightened the risk of shooting stones,” the officials remarked.
Authorities have urged travelers to avoid any journeys on the highway until debris removal operations are completed and weather conditions improve.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is the sole all-weather road link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. Frequent closures due to landslides and shooting stones during the rainy season often disrupt travel and the movement of essential goods.
The unforeseen challenges faced by the landlocked Valley due to the recurrent closure of this highway during the rainy season and winter months have been significantly alleviated by the introduction of the Vande Bharat train service to the region.
This train service has relieved passenger traffic on the highway, providing an alternative mode of transport during highway closures.
The launch of freight trains promises to address essential shortages caused by highway closures.
One goods train has already successfully transported cement to the Valley.
As goods trains commence regular operations between the Valley and the rest of the country in the coming days, the reliance on road transport will be supplemented by this alternative method of transporting goods.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway not just as a transport route but as a lifeline for the Kashmir Valley. While the heavy rainfall poses immediate challenges, the introduction of train services marks a significant step forward in safeguarding the region against such disruptions.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway closed?
The highway was closed due to heavy rain and shooting stones that made travel unsafe.
What measures are authorities taking?
Authorities have suspended all traffic as a safety precaution and are conducting debris clearance operations.
How does the closure impact the Kashmir Valley?
The closure disrupts travel and the supply of essential goods, affecting daily life in the Valley.
What alternative transport options are available?
The Vande Bharat train service offers an alternative method of transport for passengers and goods.
When is the highway expected to reopen?
The highway will reopen once weather conditions improve and debris clearance operations are completed.
