Umaisar Gul Ganaie
Srinagar, Sep 3: More than 3,000 vehicles, mostly heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), are stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, while all major routes in the Union Territory remain closed on Wednesday after fresh rainfall, officials said.
An official said that landslides and shooting stones triggered by incessant rains blocked the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at several locations forcing suspension of vehicular movement on Wednesday.
“Restoration work is underway, but frequent shooting stones and poor weather are hampering clearance operations,” he said, adding that efforts are being made to reopen the highway by Thursday.
In addition to the National Highway, other vital roads have also been shut. The Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri (SSG) Road, connecting the Valley with Ladakh, is also blocked, while the Sinthan Top Road and Mughal Road have been rendered unsafe after heavy rains triggered slides at several points.
“The continuous rainfall has made restoration work difficult. Our teams are on the ground, but safety remains a priority as fresh landslides occur intermittently,” a Traffic Department official said.
The closure of these roads has severely hit connectivity, affecting both essential supplies and passenger movement. Fruit-laden trucks from Kashmir, meant for markets outside the Union Territory, have also been left stranded.
“We have been prioritising fruit trucks for the past several days as the highway has not been fully restored since August 26. A 20-km stretch between Udhampur and Chenani, particularly a 10-km patch between Bani Nullah and Samroli, is badly damaged. The worst-hit points include Tharad Bridge, Balli Nullah, and both carriageways at Samroli,” the official said.
He said that if the weather stabilises, two-lane traffic could be restored soon. “Our men and machinery are at work, we just need a window of clear weather to speed up restoration,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kulgam Police on Wednesday organised a langar (community kitchen) at Qazigund for drivers and commuters stranded due to traffic disruptions on the highway.
The initiative was led by SSP Kulgam, Sahil Sarangal (IPS), along with Additional SP (Highway) Qazigund, SDPO Qazigund, and other police officials. Adequate arrangements of wholesome meals and drinking water were made on the spot, providing much-needed relief to those in distress.
The gesture evoked wide appreciation from commuters and locals alike, who lauded the police’s commitment to public welfare beyond conventional policing. Police said the endeavour reaffirms their resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with the community in every circumstance.
Similarly, Udhampur Police provided food, water and other basic items to stranded people and ensured their safety till the road is restored. “Due to heavy rains and landslides, the highway remained closed, leaving many passengers and drivers stranded. Udhampur Police provided essentials and ensured their safety till the road is restored,” a spokesperson said. (KNO)
