Jammu: Traffic movement on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was partially restored after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) carried out a high-precision controlled blasting operation to remove massive boulders blocking the Srinagar-bound carriageway near Champari area of Chenani in Udhampur district.
The restoration also paved the way for the resumption of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, with a fresh batch of 3,886 pilgrims leaving the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, Jammu, early Sunday morning for the holy cave shrine.
The 25th batch of pilgrims departed at 2:52 am in a convoy of 177 vehicles under tight security arrangements after the highway, which remained affected for two days due to incessant rains, was partially restored.
The highway blockade occurred after heavy rainfall triggered the dislodging of large rocks from a nearby hilltop, causing massive boulders to fall on the Up Tube (Srinagar-bound corridor) near Champari, disrupting movement of commuters, freight vehicles and essential supplies.
To ensure safety, traffic on the affected stretch was suspended temporarily before NHAI engineers and safety teams conducted the controlled blast operation. The explosives broke the huge boulders into manageable pieces, following which heavy machinery was deployed to clear the debris.
After safety inspections, traffic movement was restored on the highway, providing relief to stranded passengers and restoring connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
Officials said the 250-km NH-44, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, has been restored for single-carriage traffic on the most affected stretches, particularly near Dewal Bridge in Samroli area of Udhampur. Restoration work, however, continues at several locations.
The Amarnath Yatra had remained suspended from Jammu on Saturday after extensive damage to the highway due to heavy rains between Jhakani in Udhampur and Banihal in Ramban, requiring major restoration efforts.
More than 4.50 lakh pilgrims have so far paid obeisance at the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine since the commencement of the 57-day yatra on July 3. The pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 28.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, issued a detailed advisory regarding regulated movement on NH-44 and other key roads due to damaged stretches, slow traffic, landslide-prone zones and ongoing Amarnath Yatra movement.
Traffic authorities said movement on NH-44 remained slow due to vulnerable stretches, including the single-lane portion near Mehad-Udhampur, damaged sections at Dalwas and Udhampur, the stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pathar, and vehicle breakdowns near Marog and Magarkote.
Traffic on the Dalwas-Udhampur section is being regulated as only a 30–40 metre portion of the road remains single-lane.
Due to road damage near Mehad and Dalwas and poor visibility caused by monsoon rains, local commuter vehicles without valid residential identification will not be allowed between Nashri and Navyug Tunnel in both directions.
Private vehicles travelling between Srinagar and Jammu have been advised to use the Mughal Road via Shopian to avoid congestion at Lamber and other bottlenecks. Travellers heading towards Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar have been advised to use the Batote-Patnitop route instead of NH-44.
Authorities have advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel between Ramban and Banihal, especially near landslide and shooting stone-prone areas. Night travel by passenger light motor vehicles (LMVs) on NH-44 has also been discouraged due to safety concerns.
Goods carriers transporting fresh produce have been advised to follow designated schedules, avoid overloading and ensure vehicles are mechanically fit before travel. Fruit growers transporting produce from Kashmir towards Jammu have been advised to load and park vehicles before 8 am.
Amarnath Yatra Traffic Regulation
The Traffic Police said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra convoy will move according to the schedule issued by the Shrine Board.
Passenger vehicles towards Srinagar will be allowed to cross Nagrota between 7 am and 12 noon, while vehicles from Qazigund towards Jammu will be permitted between 11:30 am and 5:30 pm.
Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) from Qazigund towards Jammu will be allowed after assessing road conditions. Empty tankers, oil carriers and LPG vehicles will be routed through the Mughal Road on days when heavy vehicle convoys operate on NH-44.
Security force convoys have been advised to coordinate movement with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) timings to minimise disruption to civilian traffic.
Weather Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir during the next 24 hours, with similar conditions expected over the coming days.
The weather department has warned of possible isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds of 30–40 kmph, landslides, mudslides, flash floods and shooting stones at vulnerable locations.
During the past 24 hours, widespread rainfall was recorded across several areas, with Bandipora receiving the highest rainfall of 51.5 mm.
The IMD said maximum temperatures remained below normal in many parts of Kashmir, while Jammu division witnessed temperatures around normal. Kathua recorded the highest maximum temperature at 34.8°C, while Srinagar recorded 28.3°C.
For Monday, the IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies with moderate rain/thunderstorms in Srinagar, while Jammu is expected to witness light to moderate rain/thunderstorms.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, also visited the Samroli area near Dewal Bridge and reviewed restoration work being carried out by NHAI with heavy earth-moving machinery.
The DIG directed officials to expedite debris clearance while ensuring safety of personnel engaged in restoration operations. He also interacted with local residents and assured coordinated efforts by police, NHAI and district administration for early restoration of smooth traffic movement.
Authorities have advised commuters to verify the latest highway status before travelling and contact Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban and Udhampur for updates.
