Traffic resumes partially on Jammu-Srinagar NH

JAMMU : After remaining closed for four days, the 294-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway — the Valley’s key surface link with the rest of the country — was made operational on Friday.

Snowfall coupled with heavy downpour on Monday caused roadblocks and also triggered landslides besides shooting of stones on various places on the highway, leaving many vehicles stranded.

Rains had triggered landslides Ramban- Jawahar tunnel sector at Marog, Anokhifall, Kela Morh, Battery Cheshma and shooting stones at Panthyal.

However on late Thursday evening, after men and material of Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) completed the restoration work on the affected stretch, the highway was partially opened for clearing the stranded vehicles and more than 500 vehicles stranded between Ramban and Banihal were cleared to proceed towards their respective destinations.

On Friday, the traffic was allowed in a regulated manner, with one-way traffic from Jammu to Srinagar. More than 5,000 Kashmir bound vehicles, including 2,300 trucks carrying essential supplies including food stuffs, poultry and medicines, which were stuck since the last few days were allowed to ply towards the Valley.

However, no fresh movement of heavy vehicles was allowed from Srinagar to Jammu on Friday.

The traffic official said, “The vehicles were moving towards their respective destinations and by late evening, we are hopeful to clear the entire backlog.”

“Depending on the road condition, one-way traffic may be allowed from Srinagar to Jammu on Saturday,” he added.

AFTER REMAINING SHUT FOR FOUR DAYS, TRAFFIC WAS ALLOWED IN A REGULATED MANNER FROM JAMMU TO SRINAGAR