Jammu-Srinagar highway closed for 2nd consecutive day, all Yatras in J&K suspended for 6th day
Srinagar, July 24
The strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway remained closed for the second consecutive day as all major Yatras in the union territory remained suspended for the 6th day on Friday.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained closed due to intermittent landslides and shooting stones at multiple locations triggered by continuous rainfall.
Officials said clearance work is underway, but the highway has not yet been declared safe for traffic.
Commuters have been advised to avoid travelling in view of the possibility of further landslides and shooting stones.
Authorities also urged people not to pay heed to rumours and to check the official status of the road on the Traffic Police's Twitter handle, Facebook page, and through Traffic Control Units.
Due to the blockade of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, Northern Railways operated a special train between Srinagar and Katra on Thursday, and 600 tourists travelled out of the Valley. The special train was operated by the Jammu Division on the directions of Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal to ensure safe and comfortable travel for stranded passengers, officials said.
The train departed from Srinagar railway station at 5.10 p.m. Thursday, halted at Banihal en route, and reached Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 8.15 p.m.
Railway officials said the special service was launched to ensure safe and timely travel for passengers, particularly those with onward rail connections from Katra and Jammu Tawi.
"Passenger convenience and safety are our top priorities. In view of the slow movement of road traffic, the division decided to operate the special train to ensure that passengers reach their destinations without inconvenience," Singhal said.
Railway authorities advised passengers to check the latest train status through the NTES app, the IRCTC website or the 139 railway helpline before commencing their journey.
Officials said the Jammu Division has been operating special trains whenever required to ensure uninterrupted travel during adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, all major religious pilgrimages in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Shri Amarnath ji Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, and Shiv Khori Yatra, remained suspended for the sixth day on Friday due to adverse weather conditions, heavy rains, flash floods, and landslide risks.
The suspensions began following alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Heavy downpours, cloudbursts, and mudslides triggered a red alert and made the tracks unsafe. Thousands of devotees are held up across base camps, including locations in Pahalgam, Baltal, Jammu, and Katra. Movement along traditional pilgrimage paths and major arteries like the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway faces severe disruptions.
Officials have kept these Yatra movements halted until weather clearance and track restoration are finalised. Free food (langars) and shelter arrangements have been made for stranded pilgrims at various base camps.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I was stuck near Banihal yesterday. The highway closure is a nightmare for locals like us who travel for work. We need better weather monitoring and quicker landslide clearance. The special train helped but only for tourists. What about us regular commuters? 🚗⚡
The IMD red alert is serious. I have relatives planning the Amarnath Yatra and they are worried. The langar service and shelter at base camps is a relief. But why does it take 6 days to assess weather? Need faster decision making to avoid panic. 🙏
Continuous rain and landslides is becoming an annual problem for J&K. Kudos to the Railways for running special trains - that's proactive thinking. But the advisory to avoid travel is vague. People need clear updates on when the highway will open, not just check social media.📱
The Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra suspension for 6th day is concerning. My friend was supposed to go this week but canceled. While safety is paramount, authorities should plan alternative routes or helicopter services for stranded pilgrims. The langar system is good but not enough. 💔
Baat sahi hai but why no long-term solution? Every year same story - rains wash away roads, Yatras stop. We need permanent weather-resistant infrastructure on NH-44. Special trains are emergency band-aid, not solution. Pahalgam base camp arrangements should be more comfortable for elderly pilgrims. 🙏
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