Kashmir-bound traffic crawls
Ramban, Sep 16: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained partially open for one-way traffic towards Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said. They confirmed that strict restrictions were imposed, allowing movement in only one direction towards Kashmir.
Traffic authorities said the highway, badly damaged by heavy rains, flash floods, and multiple landslides since August 26, continues to be managed under strict regulation at the Tharad stretch in Udhampur district, where 250 to 300 meters of the highway remains muddy, uneven, and slushy.
From late Monday evening till Tuesday morning, hundreds of apple-laden trucks stranded for days between Banihal and Nashri and between Chenani and Tharad were allowed to cross towards their respective destinations.
These consignments, bound for fruit mandis across the country, had been stuck since September 2 due to the massive landslide at Tharad.
Truck drivers narrated their ordeal.
Joginder Singh, who managed to cross the Tharad stretch on Tuesday, said he had been stranded for 17 days at different locations before reaching Ramban.
He expressed concern over the deteriorating road condition, particularly between Chenani and Udhampur, where one tube of the highway remains damaged and blocked by landslides. “Despite paying toll tax, the road is worsening by the day. However, traffic management has improved today after 15 days,” he said.
Officials said that essential supplies, including fuel tankers, were crossing the damaged Chenani-Udhampur sector at a slow pace.
Only Srinagar-bound vehicles are being allowed, while Jammu-bound traffic remains suspended, except for ambulances and emergency vehicles.
Authorities said stranded vehicles carrying essentials from Jammu were being cleared in phases from Jakhani to Tharad.
“Efforts are on to ensure smooth passage of stranded traffic between Udhampur and Jammu,” a Traffic Police officer, monitoring the regulation, said.
The highway, the only fair-weather surface link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, was first blocked on August 26 after torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides at multiple locations between Lakhanpur-Madhopur, Jammu, Udhampur, and Banihal.
It was briefly restored on August 31 before getting blocked again on September 2 at Tharad. Stranded traffic was allowed to move temporarily on September 10, but disruptions have persisted due to the fragile condition of the Chenani-Udhampur stretch.
Hundreds of vehicles carrying essential supplies are still stranded beyond Qazigund, Kashmir, and Udhampur, waiting for their turn.
Traffic authorities said traffic was being managed on a one-way basis between Srinagar and Jammu.
As of Tuesday evening, Srinagar-bound Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles continued to cross the most problematic Tharad stretch, moving slowly but steadily towards Kashmir.
During the day, a brief spell of light rain lashed in Tharad village, slowing down traffic movement due to slippery road conditions.
NHAI has deployed its men and machinery at Tharad for improving road conditions and restoration works.
Meanwhile, traffic authorities have advised travellers and vehicle operators not to undertake journeys against the advisory on Wednesday.
They advised maintaining lane discipline and against overtaking, which causes congestion on the highway.
