Srinagar-Jammu NH closed

Ramban, Jan 23: Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was suspended on Friday following fresh snowfall and heavy rainfall across several stretches, officials said.

Due to inclement weather conditions, hundreds of vehicles were stranded in Udhampur, Chanderkote, and other places.

Vehicular movement was halted after snowfall was reported in the Qazigund-Ramsu sectors, while incessant rain in the Udhampur and Ramban areas rendered road conditions slippery and unsafe.

As a precautionary measure, authorities stopped all types of traffic and parked vehicles at safer locations along the highway.

Officials said continuous rainfall and snow accumulation up to Ramsu forced the suspension of traffic.

Travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement until weather conditions improve.

More than a foot of snow has accumulated in Banihal and adjoining areas, with snowfall continuing.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Senior Superintendent of Traffic Police, National Highway, Ramban, Raja Adil Hamid, said over a foot of snow was recorded in Banihal, while around six inches of snow accumulated in the Nashri area of Batote.

He said that around 900 vehicles, including nearly 500 passenger Light Medium Vehicles (LMVs), were halted at safe locations as a precaution.

Meanwhile, the Batote-Doda-Kishtwar National Highway was also closed due to snow accumulation in the Nashri and Batote areas.

Till late Friday evening, NH-44 remained closed.