Relief on a Fragile Road: Jammu-Kashmir’s Highway Battles Back
-
By Irfan Yattoo
-
Comments 0
-
10 Sep 2025
Only light vehicles allowed; HMV’s remain barred
Srinagar, Sept 10: After nearly two weeks of anxiety, distress, and mounting economic losses, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was finally reopened on Wednesday, restoring a critical lifeline to Kashmir.
The highway had been blocked since August 26 due to devastating landslides and flash floods. With the reopening, vehicles have slowly begun moving again, bringing relief to stranded travelers and the region’s disrupted supply chain. However, full normalcy is yet to return.
According to a traffic police spokesperson, light motor vehicles (LMVs) were first allowed to travel from Jammu towards Srinagar in the morning. Later in the day, LMVs were also released from Qazigund towards Jammu after a newly constructed 300-metre diversion opened a narrow but vital passage through the battered stretch.
However, congestion quickly built up along the route. Following an urgent advisory from the Traffic Control Unit in Kashmir, Jammu-bound LMVs were halted at Qazigund due to heavy traffic snarls and safety concerns.
Officials also confirmed that heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), including trucks, are still not being allowed to ply from Kashmir.
Mohd Ashraf, a driver stranded for 10 days, shared his ordeal: “We spent days just waiting, helpless and worried about our families. Even now, I feel a bit relieved that we’ve started moving, but seeing the traffic pile up again makes the happiness short-lived.”
Gurmeet Singh, who has been waiting with fruit-laden trucks, said, “Our trucks loaded with apples and vegetables have been parked here for days. We’re worried the fruit will rot. The reopening gives us hope, but until all trucks are cleared, many of us are still anxious.”
Zahid Malik, another long-haul driver, emphasised the highway’s significance: “This road is crucial for Kashmir. People depend on the timely arrival of goods and travel. Today’s progress feels real after so much pain, but until everyone moves and supplies reach their destinations, we are not truly at peace.”
Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said teams worked round-the-clock in harsh weather to construct the new diversion and clear debris from the landslide-hit areas.
Meanwhile, the Mughal Road and Sinthan Road remain open as per the latest advisory, providing limited alternative routes for movement.
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh stated, “Heartening to share that after a lapse of several days, with the weather clearing today, NHAI confirms that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been made functional for traffic after clearing the difficult road blockades at Thard and other sites.”
Leave a comment