The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained closed for the second consecutive day on Friday, 25 July, as relentless rainfall continued to trigger landslides and shooting stones at multiple points along the route. Simultaneously, all major religious pilgrimages in Jammu and Kashmir — including the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, and Shiv Khori Yatra — entered their sixth consecutive day of suspension, leaving thousands of devotees stranded at base camps across the union territory.

Highway Closure and Clearance Work

Authorities confirmed that clearance operations are underway at the affected stretches, but NH-44 has not yet been declared safe for vehicular movement. Intermittent landslides and falling debris at multiple locations have made passage hazardous. Commuters have been advised to refrain from travelling until an official all-clear is issued. Officials also urged the public to disregard rumours and instead verify road status through the Traffic Police's official social media channels and Traffic Control Units.

Special Train Deployed to Evacuate Stranded Travellers

Northern Railways operated a special train between Srinagar and Katra on Thursday to provide relief to passengers stranded due to the highway blockade. Approximately 600 tourists were evacuated from the Valley on this service, which was run by the Jammu Division on the directions of Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal.

The train departed Srinagar railway station at 5.10 pm, halted at Banihal, and arrived at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 8.15 pm. The service was particularly aimed at passengers with onward rail connections from Katra and Jammu Tawi.

'Passenger convenience and safety are our top priorities. In view of the slow movement of road traffic, the division decided to operate the special train to ensure that passengers reach their destinations without inconvenience,' Singhal said. Railway authorities advised travellers to check the latest train status via the NTES app, the IRCTC website, or the 139 railway helpline before starting their journey.

All Major Yatras Suspended for Sixth Day

The suspension of pilgrimages was triggered by alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which flagged heavy downpours, cloudbursts, and mudslides across the region, prompting a red alert. Thousands of devotees remain held up at base camps in Pahalgam, Baltal, Jammu, and Katra. Officials have kept all Yatra movements halted pending weather clearance and full restoration of pilgrimage tracks.

Notably, this is the longest uninterrupted suspension of the Amarnath Yatra and associated pilgrimages this season. To assist stranded pilgrims, authorities have arranged free meals through langars and shelter facilities at various base camps.

What Happens Next

Officials have indicated that Yatra resumption and highway reopening are contingent on weather improvement and track inspection outcomes. The Jammu Division has stated it will continue operating special trains as required during the disruption. Pilgrims and travellers are advised to monitor official channels before making any movement decisions, as further rainfall cannot be ruled out in the coming days.