Batote - Kishtwar NH blocked due to heavy rocks

Ramban, May 27: The Batote - Kishtwar National Highway (NH) was blocked late this afternoon near Kandani due to heavy rocks and boulders.

Officials said heavy rocks hit and blocked the highway around 4 PM.

They said soon after closure of the highway, district administration Kishtwar summoned men and machinery of the concerned road maintenance agency National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to clear the landslide and rocks.

Due to closure of the road a large number of people are stranded on both sides of landslides affected areas. Kandani is a place between Doda- Kishtwar falling under Kishtwar jurisdiction.

Road restoration work was simultaneously started from both sides by pressing rock breakers and machines to remove the rocks and huge boulders accumulated on the road. Sources said to break the rocks, blasting was also done during the day.

Due to blockade of the road people crossed the slide affected area on foot to reach their workplaces, schools and colleges in Kishtwar.

Meanwhile, traffic authorities have advised commuters and vehicle operators not to undertake journeys on Batote Kishtwar National Highway till the road restoration work is completed.