Jammu-Srinagar highway blocked by landslide in Udhampur, NH-44 shut
Synopsis
A fresh landslide in Udhampur's Dewal area has shut the Jammu-Srinagar highway — the only road link to the Kashmir Valley — on 27 July, leaving Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, tourists, and freight stranded. Restoration is under way, but the area remains at risk of further slides, and no reopening timeline has been given.
Key Takeaways
A landslide in the Dewal area of Udhampur district blocked NH-44 on Monday, 27 July .
Road clearance teams and heavy machinery have been deployed for restoration; no reopening timeline announced.
The highway is the only road link to the Kashmir Valley and is critical for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, tourists, and freight.
Authorities warn the area remains vulnerable to fresh landslides and shooting stones due to unstable weather.
Commuters advised to contact Traffic Control Units at Srinagar, Ramban, and Jammu before travelling.
The train service to the Valley offers a weather-independent alternative while the highway remains shut.
The strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was blocked on Monday, 27 July after a fresh landslide struck the Dewal area of Udhampur district, cutting off the only road link between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. Debris from the slide choked the carriageway, prompting authorities to immediately deploy road clearance teams and heavy machinery at the site.
What Triggered the Closure
Officials confirmed that the landslide was set off by unstable weather and terrain conditions in the Udhampur stretch. The area, according to authorities, remains vulnerable to fresh landslides and shooting stones, and the highway will remain shut until it is formally declared safe for vehicular movement. No timeline for reopening has been announced.
Advisory for Commuters
Traffic department officials have urged commuters not to venture onto the highway without first verifying road status through official channels. Travellers have been advised to contact the Traffic Control Units at Srinagar, Ramban, and Jammu, or check updates on the official J&K Traffic Police social media platforms. The Traffic Police have specifically cautioned the public against relying on unverified information or rumours about road connectivity.
Impact on Yatris, Tourists, and Freight
The closure directly affects Shri Amarnath ji Yatra pilgrims, tourists, and freight movement, all of whom depend on NH-44 as the primary surface route to the Valley. The disruption underscores the highway's critical importance: it remains the sole road artery linking the landlocked Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country. Notably, the recently introduced train service to the Valley — which operates independent of weather conditions — has partially reduced total dependence on the road, offering an alternative for passengers when the highway is shut.
A Recurring Vulnerability
This is far from an isolated incident. The Ramban district stretch of the highway is among the most landslide-prone corridors in the country, where even light rainfall can trigger slides, mudslides, and shooting stones. Monsoon disruptions on NH-44 follow an annual pattern, repeatedly stranding commuters and supply chains. Restoration operations are currently under way, and further updates are expected once clearance work is completed.
Point of View
A single rain event continues to sever Kashmir's only road link. The train service has eased pressure at the margins, but the bulk of freight and pilgrimage traffic still depends on a highway that is demonstrably unfit for all-weather use. Until slope-stabilisation work matches the scale of the vulnerability — particularly in the Ramban stretch — these closures will keep recurring, with real costs borne by Yatris, traders, and Valley residents.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Jammu-Srinagar highway closed on 27 July 2025?
The highway was closed after a landslide struck the Dewal area of Udhampur district, depositing debris across the carriageway. Authorities shut NH-44 immediately and launched restoration operations, warning that the area remains vulnerable to further slides.
When will NH-44 reopen after the Udhampur landslide?
No official reopening timeline has been announced. Traffic will be permitted only after authorities formally declare the highway safe for vehicular movement, following completion of debris clearance.
How can commuters check the latest status of the Jammu-Srinagar highway?
Travellers should contact the Traffic Control Units at Srinagar, Ramban, or Jammu, or monitor the official J&K Traffic Police social media platforms. Authorities have urged the public not to rely on unverified information or rumours.
Who is most affected by the NH-44 closure?
Shri Amarnath ji Yatra pilgrims, tourists, and freight operators are most directly affected, as NH-44 is the only road link between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. The closure disrupts supply chains and pilgrimage movement until the route is cleared.
Is there an alternative route to Kashmir while the highway is shut?
The recently introduced train service to the Valley operates independently of weather conditions and serves as a partial alternative for passengers. However, heavy freight and most road traffic have no comparable substitute while NH-44 remains blocked.
