The J&K Traffic Department has halted vehicular movement on the vital Jammu-Srinagar highway for Monday, with restoration efforts—initiated on Sunday afternoon—still underway.
Jammu-Srinagar Highway Cut Off After Ramban Flash Floods, Landslides; Restoration Efforts Continue
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a crucial lifeline connecting Kashmir to the rest of India, remained closed on Monday due to heavy landslides and flash floods triggered by intense rainfall and cloudbursts in the Ramban district. Debris from multiple landslide-prone areas between Nashri and Banihal has left the road impassable, with restoration operations continuing in full swing.
Authorities reported that over a dozen stretches were blocked after Saturday night’s torrential rains caused widespread damage. The most affected zones include Kelamorh, Seri, and a 10-kilometre belt near Ramban town. The T-2 tunnel vicinity also suffered severe impact. Hundreds of vehicles remain stranded, while commuters braved dangerous conditions on foot to escape affected zones.
Tragically, three lives were lost in Ramban due to the natural calamity, and two more people—including a woman—died in nearby Reasi district after being struck by lightning. More than 100 individuals have been rescued from affected areas.
Dharamkund village on the Ramban-Gool road also faced destruction, with flash floods forcing families to evacuate as water and mud entered their homes.
Despite around-the-clock efforts from road-clearing crews since Sunday afternoon, officials declared the highway unfit for traffic movement as of Monday night. Massive amounts of debris, boulders, and mud continue to hinder restoration efforts.
In a travel advisory, the J&K traffic department urged citizens to avoid NH-44 until further notice, stressing that the highway will reopen only after it’s fully cleared and deemed safe.
