Srinagar, April 6: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has been closed due to rockfalls and landslides in the Ramban district on Monday.
Traffic department officials confirmed that vehicle movement in both directions—towards Srinagar from Jammu and vice versa—has been halted. This disruption is caused by landslides and rockfalls that have blocked the roads between Karol Bridge and Chanderkot.
In a statement, the traffic department advised, “Travelers are urged to avoid this route until repairs on NH-44 are fully completed. Please disregard rumors and check with the traffic department for updates on highway conditions before starting your journey.”
The strategically vital Srinagar-Jammu highway remains a lifeline for supplies to the valley, although rail connectivity between the Jammu division and the valley is now fully operational.
All essential supplies, including LPG, mutton, and poultry products, are still transported to the valley via this highway.
With the introduction of train services, year-round connectivity between the rest of the country and the valley has been established. However, regular freight train operations for transporting goods from the valley have not yet commenced, reducing reliance on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
Despite the construction of flyovers, bridges, and tunnels that have cut travel time between Srinagar and Jammu from ten hours to five, the highway segment between Ramsu and Ramban remains the most vulnerable. This area frequently experiences landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls due to rain, causing traffic disruptions.
In 2025, fruit producers in the valley suffered significant losses due to the highway’s continuous blockages, as trucks carrying fruits were stranded en route to national markets.
Recently, Northern Railway officials held a meeting with stakeholders to initiate freight services for transporting fruits from the valley this year. The commencement of parcel services will provide much-needed support to Kashmir’s horticulture industry.
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