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Srinagar-Jammu Highway Reopens After Snowfall, Flights Resume Amid Cold Snap

Authorities have restored traffic on the critical Srinagar-Jammu national highway after its closure due to heavy snowfall. Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport have also largely resumed, with only a few cancellations due to issues in Delhi. Several other major roads, including the Srinagar-Leh highway and Mughal Road, remain closed for travel. The MeT department has forecast more rain and snow across the union territory from January 26-27, advising the public to avoid avalanche-prone areas.

Key Points: Srinagar-Jammu Highway Restored After Snow, Flight Ops Normal

  • Highway restored after Jan 23 closure
  • Flight operations normal at Srinagar airport
  • Other key roads remain closed
  • More snow forecast for Jan 26-27
2 min read

After heavy snowfall, traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway restored, flight operations normal

Traffic resumes on Srinagar-Jammu highway after snowfall. Flight operations normal at Srinagar airport. Weather forecast warns of more snow.

"priority was being given to the stranded vehicles on the highway - Authorities"

Srinagar, Jan 25

The authorities said on Sunday that the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in J&K has been restored for traffic, and priority was being given to the stranded vehicles on the highway.

The Srinagar-Jammu highway was closed due to heavy snowfall on the two sides of the Navyug tunnel on January 23.

Airport officials said flight operation has also been resumed at Srinagar International Airport, and except for three flights cancelled due to NOTAM in Delhi, normal operation was resumed at the airport on Sunday.

Traffic department officials said that the Srinagar-Leh highway, the Mughal Road and the roads leading through Sinthan and Razdan Pass were still closed and intending travellers should not undertake the journey on these roads without getting in touch with the traffic department control room.

The Meteorological (MeT) Department has forecast light rain and snow at isolated places in the union territory, light to moderate rain/snow at most places, moderate to heavy rain/snow at some places, with thunder/gusty winds at some places, from January 26 to January 27.

Farmers have been advised to suspend farming activities till January 28. Generally, the public in the snowbound higher reaches has been advised not to venture into sloppy and avalanche-prone areas.

Srinagar city had minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 10.2 and Pahalgam minus 6.2 as the minimum temperature. Jammu city had 7.1 degrees Celsius, Katra town 6.2, Batote minus 0.1, Banihal minus 2 and Bhaderwah minus 4 as the minimum temperature.

Recent snowfall after a prolonged dry spell has addressed the worries of agriculturists, horticulturists and the general public as heavy fall in the mountains will sustain rivers, streams, springs, wells and lakes during the hot summer months.

Plains of the Valley received this season's first snowfall on January 23.

The 40-day period of harsh winter cold, locally called 'Chilla kalan', started on December 21 and will end on January 30.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
This snowfall is a blessing for our farmers and the water table after the dry spell. Yes, it causes disruption, but it's essential for Kashmir's ecology and agriculture in the long run. Stay safe, everyone in the higher reaches!
A
Aman W
Minus 10.2 in Gulmarg! ❄️ That's extreme. While it's beautiful, I hope the locals, especially in remote areas, have enough supplies and heating. The advisory against venturing out is very important—avalanches are no joke.
P
Priyanka N
Good to see flight operations are mostly normal. The NOTAM in Delhi causing three cancellations is a reminder of how interconnected our air traffic is. Efficient coordination between airports is key during such weather events.
D
David E
Respectfully, while the restoration is commendable, the article highlights a recurring issue. The highways close frequently in winter. Is there a long-term plan for more all-weather connectivity to Ladakh and other regions? It's crucial for both locals and the economy.
K
Kavya N
Chilla-i-Kalan is almost over! The toughest part of winter will be done soon. This snowfall at the end of it is perfect—replenishes everything before the slow shift towards spring. Nature's timing.

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