Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Mar 25: After remaining closed for several days due to snow avalanches, the Gurez-Bandipora road was reopened for traffic on Wednesday.
An official said that the strategic route has been made safe for vehicular movement following extensive snow clearance operations.
Pertinently, the 85-km road had been blocked earlier this week after two consecutive snow avalanches hit the stretch, severely disrupting connectivity to the Gurez sector.
“One major avalanche, nearly 200 metres long and about 10 feet high, struck near KM 60, while another hit near Korkbal village, forcing a complete shutdown of the route,” an official said.
No casualties were reported as there was no traffic movement at the time of the incidents, they added.
Following the avalanches, the Border Roads Organisation launched a large-scale operation, deploying men and machinery to clear the snow and restore the road.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K said that vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) will be allowed from both sides on March 26, subject to fair weather and improved road conditions.
Security forces’ convoy movement will also be permitted from both Jammu and Srinagar sides after confirmation of road status from traffic control units.
An official bulletin said slow movement was recorded on the highway between Marog and Kishtwari Pather over the past 24 hours due to single-lane traffic and breakdown of three heavy motor vehicles.
Passengers and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to avoid night journeys in view of possible shooting stones, landslides, and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
The advisory also urged commuters to maintain lane discipline, warning that overtaking and wrong-lane driving could lead to congestion.
Meanwhile, the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244) remained closed for vehicular movement as per orders issued by the district administrations.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) road, only light motor vehicles fitted with anti-skid chains will be allowed from Kargil towards Srinagar, subject to clearance from road maintenance agencies. No movement will be allowed after 3 pm due to avalanche risks along the Zojila axis.
The Mughal Road will remain open for light motor vehicles from both sides between 11 am and 3 pm, subject to weather conditions and clearance from authorities.
Authorities have advised commuters to confirm road status from traffic control units before undertaking travel.
