Jammu 26 August :- Traffic movement has been brought to a complete standstill on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) as of 1200 hours today following multiple landslides and incidents of shooting stones triggered by continuous rainfall along the entire stretch. The adverse weather conditions have rendered the highway extremely perilous, prompting authorities to halt all vehicular movement indefinitely. In a separate but related development, the movement of Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs), specifically load carriers, has been strictly prohibited on the Jammu-Pathankot road. This decision was made in view of the dangerously heavy flow of water in the Sahar Khad near Kalibari in the Kathua district, making travel unsafe for large vehicles in both directions.
The disruption is not limited to these major arteries, as several key link roads across the region have also been severed due to the inclement weather. The Bani-Basohli road is closed at the Sukha Nallah, the Basholi-Mahanpur road is blocked at Dhani, and the Mahanpur-Kathua route is impassable at the Peddu Nallah. Furthermore, the Dialachak-Ramkote road has been blocked near the Kali Mata Mandir in Galak, effectively cutting off numerous local communities and severely hampering intra-district travel.
In light of these widespread disruptions, officials are strongly advising the public to avoid all non-essential travel until the weather improves and the roads are officially declared clear and safe. For the latest updates and real-time information on road status, travelers are urged to regularly check the official social media channels of the traffic police, including their Twitter handle and Facebook page. Additionally, individuals can contact the Traffic Control Units directly for assistance: TCU Jammu at 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, or 103; TCU Srinagar at 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, or 103; and TCU Ramban at 9419993745 or 1800-180-7043.(File Photo)
