Snowfall Brings Kashmir to a Standstill; Highway Closed, Rail Services Disrupted, 25 Flights Cancelled
Fresh snowfall across the Valley disrupts road, rail and air connectivity, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and authorities on high alert.
Heavy snowfall across Kashmir on Tuesday brought normal life to a grinding halt, disrupting road, rail and air connectivity across the Valley. The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, the only all-weather road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, was closed for traffic due to accumulation of snow and icy conditions at several stretches, particularly between Banihal and Qazigund.
Officials said continuous snowfall triggered slippery road conditions and reduced visibility, prompting authorities to suspend vehicular movement as a precautionary measure. Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger buses and trucks carrying essential supplies, were stranded at various locations along the highway.
Rail services were also impacted as train operations between Banihal and Baramulla were either delayed or suspended due to snow accumulation on tracks and adverse weather conditions. Railway authorities said restoration work would begin once weather conditions improve, while passengers have been advised to check service updates before planning their journeys.
Air traffic at Srinagar International Airport witnessed major disruption, with at least 25 flights cancelled due to poor visibility and snow-covered runways. Several inbound flights were either diverted or forced to return to their origin airports. Airport authorities said snow clearance operations were underway, but flight operations would resume only after weather conditions stabilize.
The snowfall has also affected daily life in many parts of the Valley, with power outages reported in several areas due to damage to transmission lines. Schools in some districts remained closed as a precautionary measure, while emergency services were put on high alert.
The Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent snowfall and rain over the next 24 hours, advising residents and travelers to avoid unnecessary movement. Authorities have urged people to stay indoors, follow advisories, and cooperate with administration and emergency teams to ensure safety during the ongoing spell of severe winter weather.
Officials said continuous snowfall triggered slippery road conditions and reduced visibility, prompting authorities to suspend vehicular movement as a precautionary measure. Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger buses and trucks carrying essential supplies, were stranded at various locations along the highway.
Rail services were also impacted as train operations between Banihal and Baramulla were either delayed or suspended due to snow accumulation on tracks and adverse weather conditions. Railway authorities said restoration work would begin once weather conditions improve, while passengers have been advised to check service updates before planning their journeys.
Air traffic at Srinagar International Airport witnessed major disruption, with at least 25 flights cancelled due to poor visibility and snow-covered runways. Several inbound flights were either diverted or forced to return to their origin airports. Airport authorities said snow clearance operations were underway, but flight operations would resume only after weather conditions stabilize.
The snowfall has also affected daily life in many parts of the Valley, with power outages reported in several areas due to damage to transmission lines. Schools in some districts remained closed as a precautionary measure, while emergency services were put on high alert.
The Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent snowfall and rain over the next 24 hours, advising residents and travelers to avoid unnecessary movement. Authorities have urged people to stay indoors, follow advisories, and cooperate with administration and emergency teams to ensure safety during the ongoing spell of severe winter weather.
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