Controlled blasting by NHAI clears massive boulders on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
Udhampur, August 2
In a major step to restore smooth transit along a vital connectivity route, the National Highways Authority of India executed a high-precision controlled blasting operation on Sunday to clear massive boulders blocking the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The blockage occurred on the Up Tube (Srinagar-bound corridor) near the Champari area of Chenani in Udhampur district.
The hazardous obstruction was triggered by heavy rainfall in the region, which caused large rocks to dislodge from an adjacent hilltop and tumble onto the highway, creating severe disruption for commuters, freight operators, and essential supply transport.
To prioritise public safety and mitigate risks associated with the heavy detonation, traffic along this strategically critical stretch was temporarily suspended. Authorities and project engineers halted all vehicular movement around the Champari section, ensuring the surrounding area was completely secure before safety experts detonated the controlled explosives.
The targeted blast successfully shattered the gigantic boulders into manageable debris, enabling clearance crews equipped with heavy earth-moving machinery to swiftly scoop away the remaining rocks and clear the carriageway.
Following a thorough safety inspection of the road surface, authorities officially reopened the highway for traffic, bringing immense relief to hundreds of stranded commuters and restoring the crucial lifeline connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's good that they cleared it quickly, but why does this keep happening every monsoon? We need better slope stabilisation measures along this stretch. The authorities should invest in permanent solutions instead of doing these emergency operations every few months. 😤
Impressed with the precision of the controlled blast. Engineering in challenging terrains like this is no joke. Glad to see the highway reopened so quickly for the locals and transporters.
The monsoon always tests our infrastructure. As someone whose family is in Srinagar, I feel relieved knowing the highway is functional again. But we seriously need to think about long-term solutions - this route is crucial for essential supplies to Kashmir.
Great coordination between the engineers and safety teams. Controlled blasting requires serious expertise. Glad no one was injured and the traffic has resumed.
This is good but let's not forget the thousands of truckers who were stuck for hours. The authorities need to have better contingency plans for stranded drivers - food, water, and shelter arrangements. Clearing the road is only half the job done.
Impressive how quickly they mobilised the equipment and manpower. The Jammu-Srinagar highway is so important for tourism and trade - glad to see it operational again.
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