Restoration Efforts on Jammu-Srinagar Highway After Landslide Disruption

In a recent development, the Principal Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir's PWD, Anil Kumar Singh, inspected Thard village on Tuesday to monitor the ongoing restoration work on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway-44, which suffered damages due to landslides and shooting stones in the Udhampur district.

Movement along this critical supply route for the Kashmir Valley has been severely impacted for over two weeks, primarily because of rain-induced landslides. These interruptions are significant as the highway is not only vital for commuters but also for the transport of essential supplies to the region.

Udhampur's Deputy SP Traffic, Jatinder Singh, reported that a massive landslide spanning approximately 300 meters necessitated the creation of a temporary road. This path was carved out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), but it has proved insufficient for heavy traffic, leading to gridlocks and delays.

Local authorities have permitted only a single-lane movement, which has resulted in thousands of vehicles being stuck. Although attempts have been made to clear the highway, the temporary solution can accommodate only about 40 trucks per hour, escalating congestion further.

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, previously visited the affected region to assess the situation and coordinate efforts with NHAI officials and local families. Heavy rains in late August had caused landslides and flash floods, blocking roads and severing district connections.

(With inputs from agencies.)