Baramulla-Uri highway to remain closed on Sunday for hill-cutting work

Baramulla, Jan 9: The Baramulla–Uri national highway will remain temporarily closed at two locations on Sunday to facilitate road expansion works involving hill cutting, the district administration has announced. An order issued by the District Magistrate, Baramulla, said the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident in view of the possibility of landslides and shooting stones during the execution of the work.

According to the order, vehicular movement will remain suspended from 7 am to 5 pm at Danakha Mode near design chainage 65+600 and at NS Bridge in Uri, near design chainage 102+800.

The closure, the administration said, is in the interest of public safety. The decision follows a communication from the Officer Commanding, 53 RCC (GREF), who informed the district administration that hill-cutting work is scheduled at the two vulnerable stretches on the specified date. “Given the nature of the work, there is apprehension of landslides, making it unsafe for vehicular movement during the execution period,” the order issued vide No. DMB/PS/171-75 dated January 9, 2026, states.

The Baramulla–Uri road has witnessed landslides in the recent past, prompting the administration to impose temporary traffic restrictions to avoid any loss of life or property. The order further notes that the restrictions are necessary to ensure the smooth and safe completion of the work.

Police and traffic authorities have been directed to deploy adequate personnel at the affected locations to manage traffic and assist commuters. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, has been asked to deploy police personnel, while Traffic Police (Rural) Baramulla will ensure diversion of vehicles through alternate routes and installation of proper barricades at both sites.