Major Road Connectivity Disruptions Hit Kashmir as Key National Highways Shut Amid Severe Weather and Maintenance Challenges
Widespread closures of the Srinagar-Jammu and alternative highways leave the Valley partially cut off, even as infrastructure upgrades aim to strengthen long-term links.
Srinagar, Jan 27 — The strategic road network linking Kashmir with the rest of the country has faced renewed disruptions, with the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) closed due to fresh snowfall and slippery conditions around the Navyug Tunnel, authorities said on Tuesday. Officials confirmed no vehicular movement is being permitted in either direction until conditions improve, citing safety concerns and heavy snow accumulation in key stretches. In addition, the Mughal Road, SSG (Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri) Road, and Sinthan Road remain closed to traffic as adverse weather continues to impact travel in the region.
NH-44, the Valley’s principal all-weather land link connecting Jammu and Srinagar, has historically been vulnerable to closures during heavy rain, snowfall, and landslides. Recent weather extremes have repeatedly forced shutdowns, stranding commuters and halting the movement of essential goods. Alternative routes such as the Mughal Road sometimes offer relief, but they too are often rendered impassable during winter or extreme conditions.
Authorities and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have conducted snow and debris clearance operations, evacuating stranded vehicles and providing assistance to affected travelers. However, clearance work remains slow amid continued snowfall and icy patches along high-altitude stretches of NH-44.
In the longer term, significant road infrastructure projects are underway to improve resilience and connectivity in the region. Recent government data shows hundreds of kilometres of state roads have been upgraded to National Highways in Jammu & Kashmir, aiming to boost economic activity and accessibility. Several tunnel projects, including the Sonamarg Tunnel and planned tunnel on the Mughal Road, are expected to provide more reliable, all-weather links across the challenging Himalayan terrain.
Officials have urged the public to avoid travel on affected routes and to rely on official traffic bulletins for real-time updates, as restoration work continues and weather forecasts remain uncertain.
Srinagar, Jan 27 — The strategic road network linking Kashmir with the rest of the country has faced renewed disruptions, with the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) closed due to fresh snowfall and slippery conditions around the Navyug Tunnel, authorities said on Tuesday. Officials confirmed no vehicular movement is being permitted in either direction until conditions improve, citing safety concerns and heavy snow accumulation in key stretches. In addition, the Mughal Road, SSG (Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri) Road, and Sinthan Road remain closed to traffic as adverse weather continues to impact travel in the region.
NH-44, the Valley’s principal all-weather land link connecting Jammu and Srinagar, has historically been vulnerable to closures during heavy rain, snowfall, and landslides. Recent weather extremes have repeatedly forced shutdowns, stranding commuters and halting the movement of essential goods. Alternative routes such as the Mughal Road sometimes offer relief, but they too are often rendered impassable during winter or extreme conditions.
Authorities and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have conducted snow and debris clearance operations, evacuating stranded vehicles and providing assistance to affected travelers. However, clearance work remains slow amid continued snowfall and icy patches along high-altitude stretches of NH-44.
In the longer term, significant road infrastructure projects are underway to improve resilience and connectivity in the region. Recent government data shows hundreds of kilometres of state roads have been upgraded to National Highways in Jammu & Kashmir, aiming to boost economic activity and accessibility. Several tunnel projects, including the Sonamarg Tunnel and planned tunnel on the Mughal Road, are expected to provide more reliable, all-weather links across the challenging Himalayan terrain.
Officials have urged the public to avoid travel on affected routes and to rely on official traffic bulletins for real-time updates, as restoration work continues and weather forecasts remain uncertain.
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