The critical Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) continued to be inaccessible to all forms of traffic on Friday, as authorities intensified efforts to clear debris and repair extensive damage caused by recent landslides and falling stones. The disruptions are particularly severe in the Ramban district, a region frequently affected by such geological events.
Heavy machinery has been deployed to the affected stretches, including Jakheni in Udhampur district and Gangroo in Ramban district, where round-the-clock work is underway to remove fallen rocks and earth, and to stabilize the road surface. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that these restoration operations extended into the late evening hours, underscoring the urgency to reopen the vital arterial route.
A traffic advisory issued by the Traffic Police explicitly stated, “Restoration work is still in progress on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) between Jakheni (Udhampur district) and Gangroo, Banihal (Ramban district). NH-44 is closed for all types of traffic as per the advisory issued yesterday. Commuters are advised not to travel until the road is declared fit for traffic.” This directive aims to prevent further accidents and to allow the restoration teams to work unimpeded.
Despite the general closure, a convoy of approximately 1,600 Amarnath pilgrims, traveling under security escort, was permitted to proceed towards their destination at approximately 2:40 am on Friday. Following the passage of this convoy, the highway was promptly shut down again to facilitate the ongoing repair and maintenance activities. This strategic timing ensured that the pilgrims could continue their journey while minimizing further disruption to the restoration work.
The decision to suspend traffic was a direct response to requests from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which highlighted the critical need for immediate repair to ensure the safety of commuters. Consequently, the District Magistrates of Udhampur and Ramban issued separate orders authorizing the commencement of restoration work, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all individuals utilizing the highway.
The scope of the ongoing works extends beyond simple debris removal. Efforts are also focused on widening the hill-side carriageway at Ladha and Samroli, a measure intended to improve the highway’s resilience against future landslides. Furthermore, teams are actively engaged in removing loose overhanging debris near Kishtwari Pather, a particularly hazardous section along the Udhampur-Banihal stretch. These comprehensive measures are crucial for the long-term stability and safety of the highway.
The traffic advisory also delineated specific restrictions, stating, “No vehicle shall be allowed to proceed beyond Nagrota in Jammu towards Srinagar, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Patnitop, etc., and vice versa, or beyond Qazigund towards Ramban, Udhampur and Jammu.” This comprehensive closure ensures that no traffic attempts to traverse the damaged sections, thereby safeguarding lives and property. However, commuters heading to the towns of Katra, Reasi, and Udhampur have been advised to carry valid photo identity cards, which will facilitate their movement from Nagrota.
This latest closure follows a period of significant disruption last week, during which NH-44 remained blocked for three consecutive days. That earlier shutdown was also attributed to landslides, shooting stones, and road erosion, exacerbated by continuous rainfall. The cumulative impact of these events led to the stranding of at least 1,700 trucks and numerous other vehicles on this crucial all-weather highway, highlighting its strategic importance for the region’s connectivity and economic activity.
The repeated closures and extensive damage underscore the persistent challenges faced in maintaining the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir. The geological vulnerability of the terrain, coupled with adverse weather conditions, necessitates continuous monitoring, robust maintenance strategies, and significant investment in infrastructure upgrades to ensure reliable connectivity throughout the year. The current restoration efforts are a testament to the ongoing commitment to overcoming these obstacles and restoring normalcy to this vital transportation corridor.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.