Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Mar 19: Fresh snowfall across several high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir disrupted road connectivity on Thursday, forcing authorities to close key roads, including the Srinagar–Kargil highway and other strategic routes, officials said.
An official said that traffic on the Srinagar–Kargil highway was suspended after continuous snowfall along the Zojila axis, including Minimarg, Drass and Gumri, rendered the road unsafe for vehicular movement. “The heavy accumulation and reduced visibility led to the precautionary closure of the highway. The road has become slippery and hazardous due to continuous snowfall,” the official said.
He said that snowfall is ongoing across the Zojila corridor, significantly affecting visibility and increasing the risk of avalanches in vulnerable stretches.
The closure has snapped surface connectivity between Kashmir and the Kargil region. Road clearance agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation, are monitoring the situation and will begin snow removal operations once weather conditions improve.
Meanwhile, the Bandipora–Gurez road via Razdan Pass has also been closed following fresh snowfall. Traffic on the nearly 85-kilometre stretch has been suspended till further orders.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez said the decision was taken in view of slippery conditions at Razdan Top and to ensure commuter safety.
In a separate advisory, the traffic police said the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri road (SSG Road) has been temporarily closed due to snow accumulation along the Zojila axis. The historic Mughal Road has also been shut due to snowfall at Peer Ki Gali.
Additionally, the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road remains temporarily closed for vehicular movement following orders from the district administration.
On the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), traffic movement remained slow due to single-lane stretches between Marog and Kishtwari Pathar and breakdown of heavy motor vehicles. Authorities advised commuters to prefer daytime travel and follow lane discipline.
Officials said restoration of traffic on closed routes will depend on improvement in weather conditions and clearance of snow. Travellers have been advised to check the latest status before undertaking journeys.
