Srinagar-Jammu National Highway shut

Ramban Aug 27: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained blocked due to landslides and shooting stones besides the sinking of the road near Dewal Bridge in Udhampur for the second consecutive day on Wednesday.

The vehicular traffic movement on the highway was suspended on Tuesday morning following torrential rains across the Jammu region that triggered landslides and shooting stones besides the sinking of a road stretch of the Jammu bound (down tube) near Dewal Bridge Samroli near Udhampur.

Traffic authorities said massive damages were inflicted to the highway between Jakhani and Samroli, especially near Dewal Bridge, 100 meters short of Samroli, Bali Nalla, and Tharad Bridge.

Traffic authorities said the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway also remained blocked as a precautionary measure.

Traffic authorities advised people and commuters not to undertake journeys on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway till the weather improves and road restoration work is completed.

Meanwhile, officials of the National Highway Authority of India said that road restoration work between Nashri and Banihal sectors had started.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Muhammad Alyas Khan, SSP Traffic National Highway Ramban, Raja Adil Hamid, SSP Ramban, Amit Gupta, Project Director, PIU, NHAI, Ramban, and other district officers inspected critical road stretches.

The DC Ramban inspected the progress on road restoration work and took stock of relief measures.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Muhammad Alyas Khan, conducted an extensive inspection of the highway from Nashri to the Banihal stretch.

SSP Ramban Arun Gupta, SSP Traffic NHW Raja Adil Ahmed, ADC Varunjeet Singh Charak, ACR Shokat Hayat Mattoo, Project Director NHAI Shubam Yadav, and senior officers were present on the occasion.

During the inspection, the DC inspected critical stretches at Karoal, Batti, Maroge, and Kishtwari Pather, which suffered damage owing to recurring landslides and shooting stones.

He directed the Project Director to intensify restoration works on the highway to ensure safe and timely resumption of traffic movement.

Executing agencies were also instructed to mobilise adequate men and machinery to complete clearance and protection works at the earliest.

The DC also visited areas affected by flash floods adjoining the River Chenab and other nallas, where several habitations were affected.

He took stock of the functioning of designated lodgment centres and reviewed the arrangements made for the affected families.

The DC instructed the concerned departments to remain vigilant and ensure adequate services and supplies of essential services.

He directed Border Roads Organisation (Project Beacon), PWD, and PMGSY to expedite the restoration of all internal roads which are blocked due to landslides.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed officers of JPDCL, Jal Shakti, and other departments to restore water, power, and other services and supplies on a war footing basis.

Speaking to media persons, the DC said that the district administration had kept all rescue and relief teams on high alert.