SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on Jammu-Srinagar highway was halted due to maintenance of road at Dalwas.

An official said that Traffic halted at Dalwas on Jammu Srinagar NHW due to removal of mud flush to improve road surface. ”People are advised to co-operate with Traffic Police,” he said.

Earlier, Traffic was plying on Jammu-Srinagar NHW from Jammu towards Srinagar. Slow movement due to single lane and poor surface condition of road at Dalwas.

"Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, overtaking will lead to congestion”, he said. Moreover, people are advised/requested not ply against advisory/traffic plan in view of possible traffic congestion because of narrow carriage way between Nashree and Banihal on Jammu-Srinagar NHW.

SRINAGAR: The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, spanning 270 km, has been partially reopened for one-way traffic after being shut for two days due to landslides in Ramban district.

The closure stemmed from landslides and stone shootings at numerous points along the highway, disrupting the vital link between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Clearing operations at various landslide-affected spots were impeded by continuous rainfall and snowfall.

However, with improved weather conditions, road clearance efforts intensified, leading to the partial reopening of the highway for one-way traffic in the afternoon.

This development has facilitated the removal of stranded vehicles between Nashi and Banihal. Ongoing efforts aim to fully restore traffic flow in both directions by tonight, with a reassessment scheduled for tomorrow morning to determine the road’s condition for allowing fresh traffic from both sides.(KNS).

SRINAGAR: An avalanche has blocked the passage of the Sindh river in the Kangan belt and flooded the road. Machines have been deployed to clear the passage so that traffic does not suffer disruptions of the strategic highway.

Reports said an avalanche hit the Sidh river near Hung area and blocked the passage. “Its water is flowing on the main road as the level of the river and the road is same,” a senior engineer said. “We have deployed machines to clear the block so that water course resumes its routine.”

The Mechanical Engineering Department Kashmir has swiftly deployed machinery to initiate clearing operations, aiming to restore normalcy and ensure safety along the affected route.

Hung is a famous rock-climbing spot, a few kilometres short of Sonamarg.

A senior engineer from the area said the avalanche has hit the area last night and completely blocked the water channel. “The entire river is diverted,” the officer said, “The road is under water.”

The engineer said the Border Roads Organisation is working to clear the blockage. “It is a huge avalanche and will take a bit of time,” he said.

SRINAGAR: Authorities on Friday restored the traffic movement on the Srinagar-Leh highway; however,  only one way traffic has been allowed to pass.

An official told News Agency Kashmir Scroll that as fresh snowfall forces authorities to close the main highway in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, how'ver on Srinagar-Leh highway traffic has been restored one-sided after the snow was cleared on the highway. The officer said that from Kargil towards Srinagar, traffic has been allowed to play today.

Pertinently, the higher reaches of Kashmir on Friday morning experienced a fresh spell of snowfall, while the plains received rains, leading to a significant drop in the maximum temperature. (KS)

SRINAGAR: A suspicious object has been found on the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway at Zangam flyober, prompting authorities to suspend traffic on the thoroughfare.

Official sources told Kashmir Scroll that some suspicious objevt, suspected to carry an IED, was found at Zangam flyover in Pattan area.

Soon police and Army's 29 RR, CRPF rushed to the spot and subsequently called Bomb Disposal Squad. Traffic from both sides were haulted when last reports came in.(KS)

SRINAGAR:Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar highway will be allowed on Wednesday after closure of four days, officials said.

The highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with the outside world, was shut for traffic on Saturday following heavy rains overnight that triggered multiple landslides and also washed away a portion of nearly 40-metre road stretch near Panthiyal tunnel in Ramban district.

“With strenuous and synergetic efforts of administration and NHAI, over last two days, (highway) has been fully restored for vehicular traffic in record time,” a traffic department official told GNS. “Vehicles and passengers, who were left stranded due to sudden closure of the highway, are being cleared on priority.” He said normal traffic would be allowed from Wednesday morning. “All commuters are hereby advised to follow daily traffic advisory, issued by J&K Traffic Police Headquarters, for hassle free journey.”

He said HMVs operators and owners are requested to desist from overloading.

“It is further requested that vehicle owners must double check the fitness of their vehicles before undertaking journey on Jammu- Srinagar highway”.

Earlier, Director General of Police, J&K, Dilbag Singh visited Banihal-Ramban stretch to take the first hand report of the progress of maintenance and restoration work of the highway.  

The DGP inspected the restoration works of dilapidated roads at Lambar, Panthyal and Seri in Ramban, a police spokesperson said. “Project Director NHAI officer Parshotam Kumar briefed the DGP about the progress of the ongoing maintenance work. Measures being taken to address the issues were discussed and certain necessary directions were given on spot by the DGP for the smooth passage of the traffic on highway.”

Expressing his satisfaction over the maintenance work going on and measures taken for restoration of traffic, the DGP instructed the executing agency to ensure completion of work on war footing and directed to keep adequate machinery at all vulnerable places to clear roads. He directed all the concerned departments to expedite the work to ensure that all necessary measures are taken for the safe and smooth travel of the yatris, tourists and of locals, the spokesperson added. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar highway remained suspended for the third day on Monday and the authorities said that the thoroughfare shall remain closed on Tuesday despite stepped up efforts to restore the road amid improved weather conditions, officials said.

The highway,  the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with outside world, was shut for traffic on Saturday following heavy rains overnight that triggered multiple landslides and also washed away a portion of nearly 40-metre road stretch near Panthiyal tunnel in Ramban district.

“Collective efforts from the Administration and NHAI, put in throughout the day, resulted in substantial improvement in the road condition. However, complete restoration is expected to take some more time,” police said in a statement issued here to GNS. “Accordingly, it has been decided by the Administration to keep the traffic on Highway suspended for tomorrow also i.e. 11.07.2023 (Tuesday).” HMVs have been advised to take Mughal Road for journey from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa.

“Traffic is likely to resume on 12.07.2023 (Wednesday), however, next update will be issued tomorrow evening.” (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today directed the concerned to intensify their checking at Toll Plazas and not allow any misfit or overloaded vehicles to ply over the main national highway as they breakdown on the way causing massive inconvenience to others.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, PWD; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Deputy Commissioner Jammu/ Udhampur/ Ramban; Chief Engineer, R&B, Kashmir/Jammu besides other concerned officers.

Dr Mehta took note of the reports of traffic jams on the highway for last few days and enquired about its status from the concerned Deputy Commissioners. He enjoined upon them to ensure that the carriageway of the Highway is not allowed to be used for parking or truck holding area anywhere.

He asked for allowing only those vehicles which are carrying stipulated loads on the highway so that there are fewer disruptions on highway due to vehicular breakdown or very slow speeds. He also called for reports against each such breakdown incident for having clarity about the actual reasons behind them. He akso asked for devising SOPs for handling these breakdown events on the highway.

The Chief Secretary asked for measures to improve width of road surface near Nachlana and Dalwas areas. He also stressed on carrying out the protection works like installation of crash barriers and parapets on the critical stretches of the highway. He directed the highway authorities to periodically clear the debris getting accumulated on the sides of the road to increase its carriageway.

Dr Mehta maintained that there should be surety with a traveler that the delays if any would not exceed more than an hour under any circumstances. He made out that few kilometers of bad stretch should not be made excuse for poor management of the traffic. He directed for increasing manpower to manage traffic on critical stretches especially in Ramban District in consultation with the District Administration.

The Chief Secretary stated that measures to improve traffic scenario should include use of Mughal Road to lighten the volume of traffic on NH-44. It was also given out that atleast 4 truck holding areas on the national highway are being designated besides hastening the completion of bridges, tunnels and viaducts for making travel on this road comfortable and pleasant in the months ahead.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: The authorities have ordered suspension of vehicular traffic on both sides on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in order to carry out repair and maintenance works in Dhalwas area of Ramban district. 

According to an order, a copy of which lies with the news agency, Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the traffic on National Highway-44 is closed as of now for restoration works at Dhalwas. 

The order reads that the critical stretch at Dhalwas has become narrow, following incessant rains and slides. 

“People and passengers are being informed about the status of National Highway-44 through various social media platforms,” it added. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: The traffic movement on Jammu-Srinagar national highway was suspended Wednesday after heavy rains triggered mudslides and shooting  stones at few places in Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. 

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that due to heavy rain in Ramban district, shooting stones and mudslide incidents took place at various locations along the stretch. 

He said the highway has been closed for traffic movement till further clearance. “Efforts are underway to restore highway for traffic movement ”, official added. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only road link connecting Kashmir Valley with the outside world, has been reopened after remaining closed for several hours since overnight due to massive landslide at Hingni Nachlana near Ramsoo along the thoroughfare.

“After clearance of the debris, passenger traffic has been released from both ends on the highway,” a traffic department official here told GNS. He urged people to “keep lane discipline.”

A big slide was reported at Hingi Nachlana, Ramsoo around midnight, leading to the closure of the strategic thoroughfare. According to the officials, clearance was taken up which was completed around 10 a.m.  (GNS)

     The Jammu-Srinagar highway, the lifeline of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, has been witnessing recurring incidents of shooting stones and landslides, causing massive disruptions in traffic movement and leading to several unfortunate deaths. The recent incidents have once again brought to the fore the negligence of the authorities and the lack of attention towards the safety of the people.

The shooting stones and landslides on the Jammu-Srinagar highway have been a perennial problem, particularly during the monsoon season when theu region receives heavy rainfall. However, despite knowing the risks involved, the authorities have failed to take necessary measures to mitigate the hazards. This lack of preparedness and planning has resulted in several fatal incidents, causing immense loss of life and property.

The recent incident on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, in which several people lost their lives due to shooting stones and landslides, is a grim reminder of the negligence of the authorities. The incident has not only caused a massive disruption in traffic movement but has also exposed the inadequacy of the rescue and relief efforts. The slow response of the authorities in providing immediate medical assistance and rescue operations has added to the misery of the affected people.

In a recent tragic incident, just yesterday, two persons were killed as a large-sized shooting stone hit a truck they were travelling in, near Digdole
along Jammu-Srinagar highway.

It is high time that the government takes cognizance of the gravity of the situation and takes necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The safety of the people should be the topmost priority of the authorities. The government should conduct a comprehensive study of the terrain and geology of the region and identify the vulnerable areas that are prone to landslides and shooting stones. It should also take necessary measures to stabilize the slopes and ensure proper drainage systems to prevent soil erosion.

The authorities should also invest in the latest technologies and equipment to monitor the movement of rocks and boulders on the highway. The installation of advanced warning systems, sirens and real-time monitoring devices would help alert the authorities and the public about the potential risks and enable them to take necessary precautions.

Moreover, the government should also focus on the rehabilitation of the affected people and provide them with necessary support and assistance. The families of the deceased should be compensated adequately, and the injured should receive proper medical treatment and rehabilitation facilities in quick time.

The recurring incidents of shooting stones and landslides on the Jammu-Srinagar highway have caused immense loss of life and property and have exposed the negligence of the authorities. The government should take immediate steps to prevent such incidents in the future by investing in the latest technologies and equipment, conducting a comprehensive study of the terrain and geology of the region, and providing necessary support and assistance to the affected people. The safety of the people should be the topmost priority of the authorities, and they should take all necessary measures to ensure their well-being.