Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Impassable Due to Landslides and Shooting Stones
Synopsis
On April 6, traffic on the vital Srinagar-Jammu national highway was halted due to landslides and shooting stones in Ramban district, affecting supply lines to the Valley. Travelers are advised to check the status before embarking on their journeys.
Key Takeaways
The Srinagar-Jammu highway is currently blocked due to landslides.
Traffic has been suspended in both directions.
Travelers are advised to check highway status before traveling.
The highway is essential for supplying goods to the Valley.
Potential introduction of goods trains may alleviate transport issues.
Srinagar, April 6 (NationPress) – The national highway connecting Srinagar and Jammu has been rendered impassable as of Monday due to the occurrence of shooting stones and landslides in the Ramban district.
Officials from the traffic department reported that all vehicle movement on the national highway is halted in both directions, affecting travel from Jammu to Srinagar and back, as both routes between Karol Bridge and Chander Kot have been obstructed.
“Travelers are urged to refrain from using NH-44 until the road conditions improve. It is advisable to ignore rumors and verify the highway status with the traffic department prior to traveling,” stated a representative from the traffic department.
This vital Srinagar-Jammu highway serves as the lifeline for transporting supplies to the isolated Valley, despite the operational rail link between the Jammu region and the Valley.
Essential commodities such as LPG, mutton, and poultry continue to be delivered to the Valley via this highway.
While an all-weather connection to the rest of the nation has been established through the newly functional train service, the frequency of cargo trains transporting goods to and from the Valley remains limited to lessen reliance on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
Improvements such as flyovers, bridges, and tunnels have significantly reduced travel time between Srinagar and Jammu from ten hours to five; however, the section of road between Ramsoo and Ramban town remains particularly susceptible to disruptions.
Heavy rains can incite landslides, mudslides, and falling stones, causing blockades that can last for several days.
In 2025, extended closures of the highway resulted in substantial losses for fruit growers in the Valley, as trucks transporting their produce to national markets were stranded.
Recently, Northern Railway officials convened a meeting with stakeholders to explore the possibility of initiating goods trains for fruit transportation from the Valley this year. The commencement of parcel services could revive the crucial horticulture sector of Kashmir.
Point of View
It is vital to highlight the significance of the Srinagar-Jammu highway for the Valley's economy and daily life. The recent blockages not only hinder transportation but also pose challenges for local agriculture and supply chains. Authorities must prioritize restoration to ensure accessibility.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the blockage of the Srinagar-Jammu highway?
The highway was blocked due to landslides and shooting stones in the Ramban district.
Is there an alternative route to travel between Srinagar and Jammu?
Currently, the national highway is the primary route, and travelers are advised to avoid it until conditions improve.
How does this blockage affect supplies to the Valley?
The Srinagar-Jammu highway is crucial for transporting essential goods like LPG, mutton, and poultry to the Valley.
What is being done to restore the highway?
The traffic department is monitoring the situation and will inform the public once the road is safe for travel.
Will goods trains be introduced to help with transportation?
Yes, Northern Railway authorities are discussing the possibility of launching goods trains to transport fruit and other products from the Valley.
