National Highway chaos: Kashmir’s lifeline shut for 223 days in 5 years

Srinagar, Mar 18: Kashmir's lifeline, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, has remained closed for an alarming 223 days over the past 5 years due to frequent landslides, snow, and other obstructions.

This extended closure, spanning nearly 7 months in total since 2019, has severely disrupted the movement of essential supplies and caused immense hardship for the people of Kashmir

Official data reveals the staggering impact of the highway blockades. In 2023 alone, the vital road link remained shut for 1458 hours, accumulating to a massive 61 days of closure.

The previous year, 2022, witnessed 989 hours (approximately 41 days) of road blockage.

The situation was no better in 2021, with the highway remaining closed for 549 hours, translating to around 23 days of disruption.

In 2020, the road was blocked for a whopping 1138 hours, nearly 47 days, while in 2019, the closure lasted for 1297 hours, equating to 54 days.

This information has been shared by the Traffic Department to a Right to Information (RTI) query by M M Shuja.

The frequent and extended closures of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway have had severe consequences for Kashmir’s economy and the daily lives of its residents.

Authorities have expressed concern over the situation and vowed to take necessary measures to ensure the smooth functioning of the highway.

However, the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions in Kashmir continue to pose significant obstacles.

The vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, is undergoing a massive widening project.

According to officials, the ambitious four-laning of the highway is expected to be completed by August 2025.

The project, divided into multiple packages with different deadlines, aims to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time significantly.

The widening work, which commenced in 2011, was initially slated for completion within five years.

However, the challenging terrain and other obstacles have led to delays.

With the four-laning, officials anticipate that the travel time will be reduced by half, as the distance will be shortened by approximately 50 km, bypassing several treacherous points prone to landslides and other obstructions.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway widening project has been a priority for the government, given the strategic importance of this vital link.

In 2020, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) formulated a detailed project report (DPR) worth Rs 2000 crore to address the topographical challenges between Ramban and Banihal.

This stretch, often plagued by landslides during rainfall, has been identified as one of the most problematic areas.