SRINAGAR: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been severely affected by landslides and heavy rains, leading to the blockage of the crucial route. Since Saturday morning, the highway in Ramban has been rendered impassable, causing widespread disruption to transportation.
According to official sources, the blockade has left over 3000 vehicles stranded at various points along the highway, including Jammu, Srinagar, Nagrota, Katra-Domail, Dhar Road, Udhampur Bypass, Chenani, Nashri, Kud, Chanderkote, Ramban, Banihal, and Qazigund. Additionally, a convoy of vehicles carrying approximately 5000 pilgrims found themselves stranded at Chanderkote.
Though the highway suffered losses at varipus places, the significant damage was inflicted between Tunnel T-3 and T-5 in the Panthyal area, where a section of the road measuring approximately 30-40 meters caved in. Moreover, landslides at Sherbibi near Banihal also obstructed the road for several hours.
Besides, Dalwas area also fell victim to mudslides, which were eventually cleared. However, due to the frequent falling of boulders at Panthyal, the movement of traffic, especially passenger vehicles, remained prohibited, and the road remained blocked.
Among the areas causing the most trouble, Mehar and Cafeteria Morh near Ramban witnessed recurring land and mudslides due to continuous rainfall, resulting in prolonged road closures. Although this particular stretch was cleared in the afternoon, the persistent danger posed by falling boulders at Panthyal continued to pose a significant obstacle, prohibiting the resumption of traffic flow.
