When Will the Jammu-Srinagar Highway Fully Reopen?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
After a week of landslides blocking the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, traffic has resumed. Priority is being given to essential goods, especially perishables, while locals hope for better supply stability in the future. This reopening marks a significant moment for the region's economy and food supply chain.
Key Takeaways
- Jammu-Srinagar national highway partially reopened after landslide blockade.
- Essential supplies, particularly perishables, prioritized for movement.
- Over 4,500 trucks were stranded during the blockade.
- Restoration work completed by NHAI to ensure road usability.
- Highway serves as a lifeline for Kashmir's supply chain.
Srinagar, Sep 10 (NationPress) Following a week-long disruption caused by landslides, the vital Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been partially reopened for vehicular traffic as of Wednesday. Authorities are prioritizing trucks that transport essential goods, with an emphasis on those carrying perishable items such as vegetables, poultry, sheep, and more.
The movement of stranded vehicles was initiated on the highway from Udhampur towards Srinagar, with passenger vehicles being the first to resume travel.
More than 4,500 trucks loaded with fruits had been immobilized on the highway due to the blockade, parked along the route in the Valley between Qazigund in Kulgam and the Pulwama district.
Many fruit growers have reported that their fresh apple stocks are beginning to decay due to delays in reaching markets outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Approximately 250 meters of the highway was damaged at Bani Nallah in Udhampur district due to relentless rainfall.
Traffic department officials indicated that passenger vehicles and trucks carrying crucial supplies, including chicken, meat, and other perishables, were permitted to proceed from Udhampur towards Srinagar starting at 10 a.m.
Officials confirmed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) finished restoration work late Tuesday night, establishing a new diversion to ensure the road is usable.
They stated that workers and machinery operated round-the-clock for six days to create the alternate route at Bani Nallah, facilitating vehicular movement.
The Jammu-Srinagar national highway serves as the lifeline for supplies to the landlocked Kashmir region, as all essential goods, including food grains, vegetables, poultry items, mutton, and petroleum products, are transported into the Valley via this route.
The uncertainty faced by locals regarding the arrival and departure of essential supplies will only dissipate once freight trains commence regular operations on the rail link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.
Point of View
I believe the reopening of the Jammu-Srinagar highway is a crucial step toward restoring normalcy for the residents of the Valley. The importance of consistent supply routes cannot be overstated, as they directly affect the livelihoods and well-being of the local population. Moving forward, regular train operations will be essential to ensure stable supply chains to this remote region.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the blockade of the Jammu-Srinagar highway?
The blockade was primarily caused by landslides due to incessant rainfall, which washed away sections of the road.
What types of vehicles are currently allowed on the highway?
Currently, passenger vehicles and trucks carrying essential supplies, especially perishables, are allowed to travel on the highway.
How many trucks were stranded due to the blockade?
Over 4,500 trucks carrying fruits and other goods were stranded on the highway during the blockade.
When did the highway reopen for traffic?
The Jammu-Srinagar national highway reopened for traffic on Wednesday, September 10.
What is the significance of the Jammu-Srinagar highway?
The Jammu-Srinagar highway is the primary supply route for essential goods to the landlocked Kashmir region, making it vital for local economies.
