Ramban, April 6: Traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was completely suspended on Monday following a major landslide in the Karol area of Ramban district, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall.
Officials said large boulders and debris rolled down from the hillside onto the road, blocking the highway and leaving long queues of stranded vehicles on both sides. Authorities immediately halted vehicular movement as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of commuters.
Traffic police have stopped all vehicles heading toward the Kashmir Valley at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur. However, vehicles bound for Doda, Bhaderwah, and Kishtwar are being allowed to proceed without any restrictions.
Strict measures have also been enforced for tourists traveling to Patnitop. Police said only those tourists with valid proof of advance hotel bookings in Patnitop are being permitted to move ahead, while vehicles without confirmed bookings are being turned back from Jakhani to prevent unnecessary congestion on the highway.
Meanwhile, teams from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have reached the site and launched clearance operations on a war footing using heavy machinery to remove the debris. Officials expressed hope that if weather conditions remain favorable and rainfall stops, one-way traffic could be restored within the next four to five hours.
Traffic authorities have advised commuters to avoid traveling on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway until further notice and to check official traffic updates before planning their journey.
