Future-proof Sgr-Jmu National Highway

The lifeline of Kashmir, that connects the Valley with the rest of the country—Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has once again witnessed a difficult situation that resulted in the closure of one tube of the highway to traffic. Every landslide, every collapse along this crucial corridor, not only disrupts traffic but also jeopardizes lives, livelihoods and essential supplies to the region. The recent incident in the Dalwas area near Ramban, where a major retaining wall collapsed Thursday evening, is yet another grim reminder of the fragile nature of this vital route. The sudden collapse of the retaining wall has led to the closure of one tube of the highway, significantly affecting traffic flow. The damage is still visible and the destructive effects of the landslide have yet to be fully addressed. The frequency of such incidents, especially in landslide-prone zones like Ramban, calls for an urgent reassessment of construction standards, geological assessments, and long-term sustainability planning. For the thousands of commuters, transporters and families dependent on this artery, delays are not just an inconvenience but translate into economic losses, delayed medical aid and stalled goods movement. It is, therefore, imperative that the damaged stretch be restored at the earliest, with both speed and structural integrity in mind. Authorities must treat this not as an isolated incident, but as a wake-up call. Regular audits, better engineering solutions for vulnerable stretches, and improved coordination between agencies can no longer be optional. This is the time to act and to reinforce and future-proof the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.