Severe Landslide Blocks J&K’s Ramban District, Halting Srinagar-Jammu NH-44
Synopsis
A significant landslide has once again blocked the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, prompting authorities to suspend traffic for safety. This critical road is vital for transporting essential supplies to the landlocked Valley.
Key Takeaways
Massive landslide blocks Srinagar-Jammu NH-44 in Ramban.
Highway is crucial for transporting essential supplies to the Valley.
Travel time reduced to 5 hours due to recent infrastructure improvements.
Authorities have suspended traffic for safety measures.
Restoration work is set to begin, weather permitting.
Srinagar, April 7 (NationPress) Following a brief resumption of traffic on Tuesday morning, a significant landslide in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Ramban district has once again obstructed the crucial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
Officials from the traffic department reported that a considerable landslide occurred between Digdol and Khooni Nallah along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in a complete road blockage and halting all vehicular movement.
Debris and large boulders cascaded onto the highway, making it impassable.
To ensure public safety, traffic authorities promptly suspended movement on this busy highway as a precautionary measure,” stated the officials.
Travelers have been advised to refrain from using NH-44 until clearance operations are finished and the road is confirmed safe for vehicle passage.
Restoration efforts are anticipated to commence soon, dependent on weather conditions.
The nearly 300-km-long highway serves as the lifeline for supplying essentials to the landlocked Valley, where most crucial supplies continue to be transported via this route.
Items such as LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene, mutton, poultry products, and vegetables are still delivered to the Valley by tankers and trucks, despite the existing rail link between Jammu and the Valley.
Until cargo trains begin transporting essential goods and agricultural produce during peak seasons to national markets, the Valley's reliance on this highway will persist.
Thanks to extensive renovations and improvements, including the construction of new bridges, flyovers, and tunnels, the travel duration between Srinagar and Jammu has been reduced to 5 hours from the previous 10 to 12 hours.
Nonetheless, the highway remains highly susceptible to weather disruptions, particularly along the precarious stretch from Ramsoo to Ramban town.
Frequent occurrences of shooting stones and landslides triggered by rainfall often obstruct the highway on this segment, and restoration work can sometimes extend over several days.
Point of View
The recurrent landslides along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the residents of the Valley. The dependence on this road for essential supplies underscores the need for sustainable infrastructure solutions to mitigate such disruptions.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the recent blockage of NH-44?
A significant landslide occurred between Digdol and Khooni Nallah, leading to a complete blockage of the highway.
How long is the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway?
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway spans nearly 300 kilometers.
What supplies are transported via NH-44?
Essential supplies such as LPG, petrol, diesel, mutton, poultry products, and vegetables are transported through this highway.
How has travel time changed between Srinagar and Jammu?
Recent renovations have reduced travel time from 10-12 hours to just 5 hours.
Are there ongoing risks for travelers on NH-44?
Yes, the highway remains vulnerable to landslides and shooting stones, particularly in the Ramsoo to Ramban stretch.
