Jammu–Srinagar Highway Closed After Landslide in Ramban, Traffic Halted on Both Sides
Srinagar, April 6, KNT: The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was closed on Monday after a heavy landslide struck the stretch between Chandarkote and Karol in Ramban district, leaving vehicles stranded on both sides, officials said.
The closure of the only all-weather road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country has halted traffic in both directions, affecting passenger movement and supply lines. Efforts are underway to clear the debris and restore connectivity.
Officials said the landslide brought down a large volume of mud and rocks onto the highway, forcing immediate suspension of traffic as a precautionary measure.
JAMMU–SRINAGAR HIGHWAY — VULNERABILITY FACTS
The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH44) is the only all-weather road link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, making it critical for passenger movement, essential supplies, and logistics.
The highway passes through geologically fragile mountainous terrain, particularly in Ramban, Banihal, and Udhampur sectors, where unstable slopes and loose soil increase landslide risk.
Frequent rainfall, snowfall, and weather fluctuations regularly trigger landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, leading to sudden disruptions and road closures.
Narrow carriageways at several vulnerable stretches mean even minor debris can halt traffic on both sides, often stranding hundreds of vehicles.
Ongoing widening and tunneling projects aim to improve stability and connectivity, but the highway continues to remain highly vulnerable due to terrain and climatic conditions.
Vehicles traveling toward both Jammu and Srinagar have been stopped at multiple points, with commuters asked to wait until the road is cleared.
Machinery and personnel have been deployed to the site, and clearance operations are in progress, though no timeline for reopening has been provided so far.
No casualties or injuries have been reported in the incident. Authorities have advised travelers to avoid the route until further updates on restoration are issued.
The Jammu–Srinagar highway frequently faces disruptions due to landslides, particularly in vulnerable stretches of Ramban district, impacting daily movement and logistics. [KNT]
