JAMMU/SRINAGAR, AUGUST 30: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) witnessed a complete blockade for over 22 hours, from 1600 hrs on 29-08-2025 to 1600 hrs on 30-08-2025, due to extensive road damage at multiple locations caused by incessant rains. In a related development, one tube of each bridge on the Lakhanpur-Madhopur, Sahar Khad, and Vijaypur stretches of the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway has also been damaged.
While the second tube of each bridge remains operational on a regulatory basis, commuters are strongly advised to maintain strict lane discipline to avoid severe congestion.
A partial restoration of traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar NHW was achieved on Saturday, allowing authorities to begin clearing the massive backlog of stranded vehicles. However, the situation remains critical as a stretch of land on the upper side of the road from Tharad Bridge to a Petrol Pump short of Balli Nallah has started sinking, posing a grave risk. In view of this escalating hazard, a stringent traffic plan has been imposed for Sunday, 31-08-2025.
There will be no vehicular movement allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) towards Reasi, Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Ramban, Banihal, or Srinagar. Furthermore, traffic movement from Jakeni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar will remain entirely suspended. Residents of Katra and Udhampur town must carry a photo ID card to prove their identity for any facilitated movement.
Commuters are urged to check the real-time status of the road on the Traffic Police’s official Twitter handle, Facebook page, or by contacting Traffic Control Units (TCUs).Amidst the crisis on NH-44, alternative routes have been opened with strict regulations. On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), subject to fair weather and a green signal from NHIDCL, only Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) will be permitted from both sides between 0800 hrs and 1600 hrs from Anantnag and 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs from Kishtwar.
Similarly, the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) Road will allow regulated movement of LMVs followed by HMVs in specific time windows, provided the BRO gives clearance. Security Forces convoys have been instructed to plan their movement to avoid disrupting civilian traffic.
The Mughal Road has been opened as a vital alternative route for light vehicles. Subject to weather and road conditions and after confirmation from GREF, LMVs and private cars will be allowed from both Jammu and Srinagar sides via Poonch.
In a significant move to address shortages, six-tyre trucks carrying essential commodities will be permitted to move from Poonch towards Shopian. Strict cut-off timings have been enforced for LMVs at various checkpoints along the Mughal Road from both directions to ensure smooth passage.
ADVISORY: The Traffic Police Headquarters has issued a stern advisory, urging the public to absolutely avoid unnecessary travel. All commuters must contact the following numbers to confirm the status of the road before embarking on their journey: Jammu (0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103), Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103), Ramban (9419993745, 1800-180-7043), Udhampur (8491928625), PCR Kishtwar (9906154100), and PCR Kargil (9541902330, 9541902331). The situation remains dynamic and is being closely monitored.