Is the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Open for Traffic Again?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has seen a partial reopening after six days of closure due to severe landslides. Over 2,000 vehicles were stranded, and officials are urging drivers to follow lane discipline as traffic resumes. Despite the partial restoration, full access may take weeks as alternate routes remain operational.
Key Takeaways
- The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is partially open after a six-day closure.
- Over 2,000 vehicles were initially stranded due to severe landslides.
- Drivers must adhere to lane discipline to prevent further blockages.
- Full restoration of the highway may take 20-25 days.
- Alternate routes such as Mughal Road are operational.
Jammu, Sep 1 (NationPress) After being shut down for six days, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been partially reopened for vehicular movement on Monday.
Officials confirmed that the highway is now partially accessible, with efforts focused on clearing the stranded vehicles first.
More than 2,000 vehicles were stuck on the highway following significant damage caused by landslides on August 26.
As traffic resumes on the highway, authorities are urging drivers to adhere to lane discipline, as any overtaking on the narrow stretches could lead to further blockages.
“Congestion could cause considerable inconvenience to commuters, adversely affecting the smooth flow of vehicles,” officials warned.
The traffic department stated, “Partial traffic has been restored on Jammu-Srinagar NHW, and efforts are underway to clear stranded vehicles.”
During his visit to the national highway on Sunday, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah indicated that full restoration might take between 20-25 days, although an alternate route has been opened for traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
Officials noted that the Mughal Road, Srinagar-Leh highway, and the Sinthan Pass leading to Kishtwar from the Valley are also currently open.
Since August 14, torrential rains have resulted in the deaths of 136 individuals and left over 100 injured in the Jammu division, causing extensive damage to both public and private infrastructure.
The districts of Kishtwar and Reasi were the hardest hit, with cloudbursts and landslides leading to tragic loss of life.
A devastating cloudburst in Chashoti village of Kishtwar district claimed the lives of 67 people, primarily pilgrims of the Machail Mata Yatra, while a landslide en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district resulted in 36 fatalities among devotees.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has established a high-level committee to investigate the landslide tragedy at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Rail services have also been severely disrupted, with officials stating that complete restoration will require additional days, although special trains are being operated to assist stranded passengers.
Point of View
The reopening of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is a significant step towards restoring normalcy in the region. However, the extensive damage caused by recent weather events highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness. The loss of lives and property is a sobering reminder of nature's power, and comprehensive investigations are essential to prevent future tragedies.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway closed?
The highway was closed due to extensive damage caused by landslides resulting from heavy rainfall on August 26.
How many vehicles were stranded on the highway?
Over 2,000 vehicles were stranded due to the closure.
What should drivers be cautious about while driving on the reopened highway?
Drivers are advised to follow lane discipline to prevent blockages and ensure smooth traffic flow.
What alternate routes are available for travelers?
The Mughal Road, Srinagar-Leh highway, and the Sinthan Pass leading to Kishtwar are open for traffic.
How many casualties have been reported due to the recent rains?
Torrential rains have resulted in 136 deaths and over 100 injuries in the Jammu division.
