Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Partially Restored After Snowfall Disruption

Press Trust of Kashmir

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been partially restored for vehicular traffic after being closed for two days due to heavy snowfall and shooting of stones at various locations. The closure had temporarily cut off the Kashmir valley from the rest of the country.

Officials reported that the restoration work, which included clearing stranded vehicles and addressing the aftermath of snowfall and stone-shooting incidents, was successfully completed. The highway was reopened this afternoon, allowing traffic to resume.

However, commuters are urged to exercise caution, especially near Sherbibi, as part of the road remains a single lane and is slippery in several areas, according to a statement from J&K traffic police.

The restoration efforts focused on key locations, including Kishtwari Pather, Sherbibi, Magerkote, Mehad-Cafeteria, and Dalwas, ensuring the road’s traffic worthiness. The closure of this vital transportation route had caused inconvenience for residents and travelers alike.

Simultaneously, the closure of the historical Mughal road, connecting south Kashmir’s Shopian district with Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu division, along with the strategic Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) road leading to Ladakh, has persisted for the past three days due to heavy snow accumulation.

Reports also indicate the closure of several roads connecting far-flung areas in north Kashmir because of snowfall. However, snow clearance operations are underway to make these roads safe and accessible for traffic.

As the region grapples with winter challenges, authorities are actively working to ensure the swift restoration of essential transportation routes, emphasizing the need for cautious driving and adherence to safety guidelines by commuters. Stay tuned for further updates on the evolving situation.