Jammu–Rajouri–Poonch National Highway restored

Rajouri, Jan 25: After remaining closed for two consecutive days on Friday and Saturday, the strategically important Jammu–Rajouri–Poonch National Highway, NH-144A, has been restored and is operating normally.

The highway serves as a vital lifeline, connecting the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch with Jammu and acts as the main surface connectivity for the two districts located along the Line of Control (LoC).

The crucial stretch of the highway between Bhimber Gali and Jarran Wali Gali, linking Rajouri and Poonch districts, was closed on Friday morning following adverse weather conditions.

The closure resulted in the complete disconnection of the Poonch district from the rest of the region, and the road was partially restored on Saturday evening, after which movement gradually resumed.

By Sunday, traffic on the highway was running smoothly, with vehicular movement taking place from both sides simultaneously.

Despite the restoration, the traffic police have issued an advisory cautioning commuters against unnecessary travel, as slippery conditions have made the highway accident-prone at several locations.

Officials further informed that many stretches and sharp curves along the highway remain narrow due to accumulated snow, allowing only single-lane movement at these points.

Commuters have been advised to drive cautiously and adhere to traffic advisories until full restoration and widening of the road are ensured.