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Heavy Snowfall Closes Jammu-Srinagar Highway, Cancels Flights

Heavy snowfall and rain have led to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) as a precautionary measure. Air travel is severely disrupted, with IndiGo Airlines and Srinagar Airport announcing temporary suspensions and cancellations of several flights. The snowfall, the first in nearly three months in areas like Doda, has brought relief to locals. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued a nowcast predicting thunderstorms and rain for parts of Punjab and Haryana.

Key Points: Jammu-Srinagar Highway Closed, Flights Cancelled Due to Snowfall

  • NH-44 highway closed for safety
  • Srinagar flights suspended and cancelled
  • First snowfall in Doda after 3 months
  • IMD forecasts storms for Punjab & Haryana
3 min read

J-K: NH-44 closed, Srinagar flights cancelled due to heavy snowfall

NH-44 shut and Srinagar flights cancelled after heavy snowfall. IndiGo issues advisory. IMD forecasts rain for Punjab, Haryana.

"Due to snowfall in Srinagar, flight operations... have been temporarily put on hold. - IndiGo Airlines"

Jammu, January 23

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed on Friday due to heavy rain and snowfall, with movement also stopped at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur.

Snowfall also disrupted air travel, with Srinagar Airport and IndiGo Airlines announcing the temporary suspension and cancellation of several flights.

Several parts of Jammu witnessed rainfall, with chilly weather conditions prevailing across the city.

Authorities said that in view of ongoing rains and snow accumulating up to Ramsoo, all types of traffic were halted at safer locations on NH-44 as a precautionary measure because of slippery road conditions.

After nearly three months without rain or snow, snowfall began in both the plains and upper reaches of Doda's Bhalesa and surrounding areas from midnight. Locals expressed relief and happiness at witnessing the much-awaited snowfall.

Further, IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory stating that flight operations in Srinagar have been temporarily suspended due to snowfall.

The airline warned that delays may occur and urged travellers to check their latest flight status and use available options to rebook or request a refund.

In a post on X, the Airlines shared, "Due to snowfall in Srinagar, flight operations, both take-offs and landings, have been temporarily put on hold. This may lead to extended wait times both onboard and on the ground. To ensure we are ready for departure as soon as we receive clearance, our team may complete boarding formalities in advance. We understand that delays can be inconvenient, and we assure you that our team remains fully committed to make your wait as comfortable as possible."

"We are closely monitoring the weather and will get you on your way as soon as conditions allow. Customers are advised to check their latest flight status before heading to the airport via http://bit.ly/3ZWAQXd. If your flight is impacted, options to rebook or request a refund are available at: https://goindigo.in/plan-b.html," the post read.

Srinagar Airport also announced that several flights to and from the airport have been cancelled due to ongoing snowfall and a NOTAM issued at Delhi Airport. Passengers have been advised to check their latest flight status before planning their journey.

"Please note that some flights to/from Srinagar Airport stand cancelled as of now today due to a NOTAM in force at Delhi Airport and ongoing snowfall conditions at Srinagar. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines before planning their journey. We regret the inconvenience caused," the official handle of Srinagar airport shared in a post on X.

Meanwhile, several parts of Punjab and Haryana are also likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning, moderate rainfall, and gusty winds during the morning hours today, according to a tehsil-level nowcast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The nowcast is valid from 6.25 am to 9.25 am for Punjab and from 6.24 am to 9.24 am for Haryana.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
After nearly three months without it, the locals must be so happy to see the snowfall! It's a relief for water levels and agriculture too. But yes, travel plans get completely derailed. Good that IndiGo is at least communicating clearly with passengers.
R
Rohit P
My cousin was supposed to fly back from Srinagar today. Now he's stuck. It's frustrating, but what can you do? Nature's fury. At least the airlines are offering rebooking options. The real test is how they handle the backlog once the snow stops.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi. It's a stark reminder of how weather can impact connectivity in the region. The highway closure must affect supply chains as well. Hope the IMD forecasts help people in Punjab and Haryana prepare for their expected storms.
V
Vikram M
While safety is paramount, one has to ask if our infrastructure is resilient enough. NH-44 is a lifeline and gets blocked every winter. Are we investing enough in better snow clearance tech and all-weather connectivity? Just a thought.
M
Meera T
The pictures from Bhalesa must be beautiful! ❄️ For us city folks, it's an inconvenience, but for the locals there, this snowfall is crucial. It recharges springs and is good for the apple orchards later. Every cloud (and snowflake) has a silver lining!

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