Kashmir Highway Likely to Reopen Tomorrow, Heavy Vehicle Traffic Still Uncertain

SRINAGAR: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Kashmir’s only all-weather road link with the rest of the country, is likely to reopen for light motor vehicles on Wednesday after remaining closed for nine consecutive days.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has assured the administration that restoration work on the damaged stretch in Udhampur district is progressing on a war footing, with heavy machinery deployed round the clock.

“As per the NHAI, tomorrow the highway is likely to be opened for light motor vehicles. The movement of heavy motor vehicles will depend upon the situation thereafter,” Garg said, emphasising that the safety of commuters remains the top priority.

He acknowledged that incessant rainfall and adverse weather have slowed the pace of operations. “Machinery is working day and night. Unfortunately, continuous rainfall hampers progress. But safety is important, and we cannot compromise on that,” he added

The 270-kilometre-long Jammu-Srinagar highway has remained closed since August 26 following torrential rains, flash floods, and multiple landslides. A 250-metre stretch in Udhampur district was badly damaged, cutting off the Valley from supplies of essential commodities and halting passenger movement and trade.

Though the road was briefly reopened on August 30, recurring landslides forced its closure again. In all, the highway has been blocked for 15 days over the past two weeks, causing severe disruption to daily life and business in the Valley.

Officials said complete restoration may still take time, but the priority is to first allow passenger traffic and light goods carriers in a regulated manner before permitting heavy vehicles. (KINS)