J&K Landslides: Jammu-Srinagar Highway Closed for Third Day in Udhampur

Quick Summary

• the Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been closed for traffic for the third consecutive day due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy rains in the Udhampur-Ramban belt.
• Over 500 to 600 vehicles are stranded at various locations along the route.
• Meaningful damage occured between Jakheni and Chenani in Udhampur, blocking parts of the key all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of India.
• Traffic police advised commuters from Katra and Udhampur towns to carry photo IDs for smooth movement validation.
• Border Roads Organisation (BRO) teams are working on clearing blockades caused by flash floods.

Traffic advisories specify:

1. Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Highway: Closed entirely for vehicular movement due to adverse conditions.
2. Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari Road: Regulated traffic may resume, subject to clearance from BRO.
3. Mughal Road: LMVs and private cars allowed under specific timings (07:00 AM – 06:00 PM), depending on weather conditions.

Security forces’ convoy movements are being coordinated to avoid disrupting civil traffic.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway underscores a persistent risk posed by extreme weather events in regions prone to landslides like Jammu & Kashmir, especially during monsoon seasons or periods of heavy rainfall. This is significant as this highway is a critical lifeline connecting Kashmir with mainland India, serving both civilian transportation and strategic logistics requirements.

The coordination efforts between BRO teams, security forces, and traffic authorities highlight a proactive approach toward managing disruptions effectively while prioritizing safety amidst challenging conditions. However, such recurrences also call attention to long-term solutions like enhanced infrastructure resilience and predictive weather monitoring systems that could mitigate future hazards.

For now, regulated reopening plans offer temporary relief; however, stranded travelers face immediate inconvenience-a reminder of how natural calamities directly impact daily life in geographically sensitive zones like this region.Read more