The 250-kilometer Jammu-Srinagar national highway (NH 44) was closed on Friday due to heavy rainfall that caused mudslides in the Ramban district, according to officials.
A traffic police officer reported that traffic has been disrupted as mudslides have obstructed the highway at Chamba Seri. He further noted that the intense rainfall led to flash floods in the Chenab River, prompting authorities in Reasi and Akhnoor to issue warnings advising against approaching the riverbank.
This highway serves as the sole all-weather route connecting Kashmir to the rest of the nation. The traffic police have recommended that travelers refrain from using the road until it has been cleared. ‘Please verify the road conditions before embarking on your journey,’ the officer advised.
Parshotam Kumar, project director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), stated that three machines have been dispatched to facilitate the clearing of the highway. Previously, on April 20, heavy rains had resulted in flash floods and landslides in the Ramban district, leading to the loss of three lives and significant damage to numerous homes, shops, and roads.
