JAMMU: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday visited flood-affected sections of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to assess the ongoing restoration work, stating that the highway is expected to reopen by late Friday night.
The highway has remained closed for vehicular traffic for the fourth consecutive day due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy rains in the Udhampur-Ramban belt, leaving over 2,000 vehicles stranded, officials said.
The 270-km-long route, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of India, was blocked at several points between Jakheni and Chenani in Udhampur on Tuesday following heavy rains and flash floods.
“Visited the flash flood-affected parts of the highway at Thard and Bali Nalla along with Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Saloni Rai and senior officers from various departments, including NHAI and central authorities,” Singh said on X. He added, “Work is ongoing round-the-clock, and the National Highway to Srinagar is likely to be restored by late tonight.”
A traffic police official confirmed, “The highway remains closed for the fourth day. No vehicular movement is permitted from Nagrota in Jammu towards Reasi, Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Ramban, Banihal, and Srinagar.”
Singh received updates from the deputy commissioner, DIG, and NHAI officials regarding the progress of restoration work. Authorities have advised commuters traveling from Katra and Udhampur to carry photo ID cards to facilitate smooth passage once the highway reopens.
In addition, nine inter-district roads in the Jammu region remain closed due to landslides and road erosion. Several villages in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur have been cut off following heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides.
