How is Life Being Impacted in Jammu Division? Jammu-Srinagar Highway Closed for 5 Days!
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Life in Jammu division remains significantly disrupted as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is closed for the fifth day. With severe weather conditions causing landslides and flooding, essential supplies are dwindling, and rail services are at a standstill. Residents face shortages and transportation challenges, making the situation critical.
Key Takeaways
- Jammu-Srinagar Highway closed for 5 days.
- Over 2,000 vehicles stranded.
- Shortages of essential commodities reported.
- Normal rail services unlikely to resume soon.
- Mughal Road remains open as an alternative route.
Jammu, Aug 30 (NationPress) Life in the Jammu division has been severely impacted for the fifth consecutive day as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed, and due to significant damage to railway tracks, normal rail services are not expected to resume in the near future.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a crucial all-weather route connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, has been blocked for five days due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy rainfall and flash floods on August 26.
Currently, over 2,000 vehicles are stranded at various locations on the highway. This ongoing blockade, along with the closure of all other primary roads leading to different districts, has resulted in shortages of essential items such as fuel, LPG, fresh vegetables, and more.
Officials from the traffic department reported that the 270-km long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is obstructed at multiple points between Jakhani and Chenani in Udhampur.
“Restoration efforts are still underway. No vehicular movement from Nagrota towards Reasi, Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Ramban, Banihal, and Srinagar will be permitted today until further notice,” the officials stated.
Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, Saloni Rai, mentioned that the highway is anticipated to be reopened by Saturday evening.
As an alternative route, the Mughal Road connecting Poonch district of Jammu division with Shopian district remains operational.
The district administrations of Poonch and Shopian issued an advisory for one-way traffic on the Mughal Road, which has led to several vehicles being stranded, prompting drivers to request that the road be opened for two-way traffic to alleviate congestion.
Traffic authorities reported that while the Mughal Road and Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road are accessible for light motor vehicles (LMVs), several inter-district roads in the Jammu region remain impassable due to landslides and erosion, isolating numerous villages.
On the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway, traffic officials noted damage to one tube each of the Lakhanpur-Madhopur and Sahar Khad (Vijaypur) bridges due to relentless rains, although the second tube of both bridges is operational under regulated conditions.
Meanwhile, while power supply has been restored in most urban areas of Jammu district, several rural regions in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, and Udhampur are still experiencing outages.
In Old Jammu City, numerous areas are facing severe water shortages, leading to protests, despite the PHE Department's provision of water tanker services.
Additionally, the pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been suspended for the fifth day due to heavy rains affecting the Katra region once again on Friday.
Railway officials stated that extensive damage to railway bridges and tracks in the Jammu division due to flash floods and soil erosion means normal rail traffic is unlikely to resume in the next few days.
“Although repair work is ongoing at a rapid pace, it will take approximately three to four weeks for full restoration of the double track and the resumption of standard rail services,” railway sources indicated.
Only two special trains were operated on Wednesday and Thursday for stranded passengers, with no other arrivals or departures at Jammu, Katra, and Udhampur railway stations over the past four days.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the restoration of normal rail services, authorities are investigating the possibility of running a few special trains on the single track to facilitate limited travel between Jammu and Delhi.
“With the single track now restored, preparations are underway to operate a few special trains in a phased approach. Two special trains are scheduled to depart today.
“One train will head towards UP-Bihar, while the other will proceed to Delhi, departing from Jammu railway station around 15:00 and 17:00 hours respectively.
“The track between Katra and Jammu is also expected to be restored by Sunday as repair work on Bridge number 163 at Chak Rakwal is nearing completion,” sources added.
The MET Department has projected that Jammu division might experience light to moderate rainfall from August 30 to September 2, with the potential for moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms in certain districts.
The Department has issued warnings regarding the risk of flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and falling stones in vulnerable areas.
Residents are advised to exercise caution, avoid rivers, streams, and other water bodies, steer clear of nallahs and unstable structures, and take all necessary precautions during this period.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the struggles faced by the residents of Jammu division. The ongoing challenges, from transportation blockages to essential shortages, highlight the need for immediate government intervention. Our commitment is to provide accurate reporting while advocating for the affected communities.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Jammu-Srinagar Highway closed?
The highway is closed due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy rains and flash floods on August 26.
How many vehicles are stranded on the highway?
Over 2,000 vehicles are currently stranded at various points along the highway.
What is the expected timeframe for restoring rail traffic?
Normal rail traffic is unlikely to resume for at least three to four weeks due to extensive damage to tracks and bridges.
Is there an alternative route available?
Yes, the Mughal Road connecting Poonch and Shopian districts is currently the only alternative route available.
Are there any advisories for residents?
Residents are advised to remain cautious and avoid rivers, streams, and other water bodies, especially during this period of heavy rainfall.
