Jammu: A significant landslide in the Banihal area of Ramban district led to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) on Saturday morning. The disruption has halted vehicular movement on the primary artery connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, causing extensive traffic snarls at various points along the route. Local authorities have confirmed that the blockage occurred following a sudden collapse of a hillside section, making the road impassable for all types of vehicles.
DSP Traffic Banihal, Surinder Pal Singh, has issued an urgent appeal to the public and commuters to exercise extreme caution. He advised travellers to avoid embarking on journeys without first verifying the latest traffic advisories and weather conditions. The officer noted that the region remains vulnerable to such natural disruptions, particularly during periods of climatic instability, and emphasized that people should only leave their homes for long-distance travel after confirming that the route is clear.
In response to the emergency, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has mobilized specialized manpower and heavy machinery to the site. Restoration work is currently underway to clear the accumulated debris and boulders from the carriageway. While efforts are being intensified to restore traffic as quickly as possible, officials have not yet provided a definitive timeline for the reopening of the highway, as the stability of the slopes remains a concern for the safety of the clearing crews.
This latest incident follows a similar disruption on March 27, where falling boulders and landslides near Karol between Chanderkot and the Jaiswal bridge forced a total suspension of traffic. During that previous event, both the up-tube and down-tube sections of the highway were affected, highlighting the persistent geographical challenges faced in maintaining NH44. Currently, hundreds of passengers and commercial vehicles remain stranded, awaiting further instructions from the traffic police and district administration.
