The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, the Valley’s vital surface link to the rest of the country, remained shut on Wednesday following heavy rains that triggered mudslides, landslides, and shooting stones at multiple stretches, particularly in the Ramban and Banihal sectors.
Traffic police officials told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that continuous rainfall has made restoration work unsafe, compelling authorities to suspend vehicular traffic for the safety of commuters.
“Mudslides and shooting stones have been reported from several stretches. Our priority is the safety of travelers, and under such conditions, we cannot risk allowing traffic movement,” a senior traffic police officer said.
He advised people to avoid unnecessary journeys and to confirm the status of roads from official sources before traveling.
Alongside the national highway, the Mughal Road, Sinthan Road, and SSG Road have also been closed for traffic due to landslides and shooting stones.
The 250-km Srinagar–Jammu National Highway is the only all-weather road connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy spells of rain in the coming hours, keeping officials and restoration teams on high alert.(KINS)
