Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Faces Closure for 2nd Day Due to Landslide
Synopsis
Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway remains halted for a second day following a landslide in the Banihal sector. Continuous rainfall complicates clearance efforts, and travelers are urged to stay updated on road conditions.
Key Takeaways
The Srinagar-Jammu highway is closed due to a landslide.
Continuous rainfall is hampering road clearance efforts.
Travelers are advised to avoid the highway until further notice.
The highway is vital for supplying essentials to the Valley.
Recent improvements have reduced travel time, but weather remains a concern.
Srinagar, April 8 (NationPress) The Srinagar-Jammu national highway has been closed for a second day as a result of a recent landslide in the Banihal sector of the Ramban district. Traffic department representatives confirmed that the national highway (NH44) is currently obstructed, with road clearance efforts underway at Shalgarhi, Banihal, which is anticipated to require some time.
Additionally, continuous rainfall is affecting conditions on the national highway. Authorities have advised travelers to refrain from using NH-44 until the route is completely cleared.
“Please disregard any rumors and verify road conditions through the traffic police control rooms in Srinagar and Jammu,” officials emphasized.
The highway had just reopened for traffic on Monday, but fresh shooting stones and a landslide caused another closure.
At the time of the closure, cleanup operations were ongoing at Karol Bridge and Chanderkote in Ramban district when the latest landslide occurred in the Banihal sector.
Heavy rainfall in the Jammu division has hindered restoration efforts, according to officials.
This nearly 300 km-long highway serves as a critical lifeline for supplying essentials to the landlocked Valley, where most vital goods are transported via this route.
LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene, mutton, poultry, and vegetables continue to be delivered to the Valley through tankers and trucks, despite the operational rail link between Jammu and the Valley.
Until cargo trains can transport essential goods and export produce during peak seasons, reliance on the highway will persist.
Thanks to extensive renovation projects that have introduced new bridges, flyovers, and tunnels, travel time between Srinagar and Jammu has been reduced to five hours, down from the previous 10 to 12 hours. Nevertheless, the highway's functionality is highly contingent on weather conditions, particularly along the ecologically sensitive stretch from Ramsoo to Ramban town. Frequent shooting stones and landslides caused by rain often impede traffic in this area, leading to lengthy restoration processes.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters like landslides, which not only affect local travel but also disrupt essential supplies to communities reliant on the **Srinagar-Jammu highway**. This situation emphasizes the need for robust infrastructure and disaster management strategies in ecologically sensitive regions.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Srinagar-Jammu highway closed?
The highway is closed due to a recent landslide in the Banihal sector, compounded by continuous rainfall.
How long is the highway expected to remain closed?
The duration of the closure is uncertain as road clearance efforts are ongoing and dependent on weather conditions.
What should travelers do during this closure?
Travelers are advised to avoid using the highway until it is fully restored and to check the status with traffic police control rooms.
What impact does this closure have on supplies?
The closure disrupts the transport of essential goods to the landlocked Valley, which relies heavily on this highway for supplies.
What improvements have been made to the highway recently?
Recent renovations, including bridges and tunnels, have reduced travel time between Srinagar and Jammu, but the highway remains vulnerable to weather-related disruptions.
