Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Reopens After Extended Closure
Synopsis
After three days of disruptions, the vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has reopened, allowing the flow of essential supplies back into the Valley. This crucial roadway remains vulnerable to weather-related interruptions despite improvements in travel time.
Key Takeaways
Traffic restored on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway after three days.
Highway is crucial for essential supplies to the Valley.
Travel time reduced to 5 hours but remains vulnerable to landslides.
Infrastructure improvements are ongoing but challenges persist.
Importance of cargo trains for economic stability.
Srinagar, April 9 (NationPress) - After a three-day interruption, vehicular traffic on the crucial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was resumed on Thursday, as announced by officials. The Traffic Department reported that traffic was restored following the removal of landslides that had blocked the highway in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The nearly 300-kilometer-long highway faced multiple landslides early Monday. Although it was briefly opened for a few hours on Tuesday morning, two significant landslides prompted another closure.
Traffic authorities managed to clear over 900 vehicles after addressing landslides at critical points including Shalgarhi, Banihal, Digdol, Khooni Nallah, Karol Bridge, and Chanderkote in Ramban.
Despite substantial investments in bridges, flyovers, and tunnels, this highway continues to function as a fair-weather road. The travel time between Srinagar and Jammu has been reduced to 5 hours, down from the previous 10 to 12 hours, yet the highway remains susceptible to adverse weather conditions.
Rainfall in the Ramsoo to Ramban stretch often leads to shooting stones and landslides, resulting in road closures.
All essential supplies, such as petrol, diesel, cooking gas, mutton, poultry products, and vegetables, are transported into the landlocked Valley via this highway, despite a fully operational rail link between the Jammu division and the Valley.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the train service from Katra in the Jammu division to the Valley on June 26 of last year.
Unless cargo trains carrying vital supplies to the Valley and transporting fruit to national markets are regularly operated, the weather-dependent nature of the Srinagar-Jammu highway will continue to negatively impact the Kashmiri economy.
Point of View
The reopening of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is crucial for maintaining the flow of essential supplies to the Valley. However, the recurring threat of landslides underscores the need for ongoing infrastructure improvements and weather resilience strategies to safeguard this vital economic lifeline.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway closed?
The highway was closed due to multiple landslides that occurred early Monday, blocking vehicular traffic.
How long is the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway?
The highway stretches approximately **300 kilometers**.
What are the essential supplies transported via this highway?
Essential supplies include **petrol, diesel, cooking gas,** as well as **mutton, poultry products,** and **vegetables**.
How has travel time changed on this highway?
Travel time between Srinagar and Jammu has been reduced to **5 hours** from the previous **10 to 12 hours**.
What impact do landslides have on this highway?
Landslides can lead to immediate road closures, affecting the delivery of essential goods and services to the Valley.
