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Thousands Stranded on Jammu-Srinagar Highway as Heavy Snowfall Halts Traffic

Heavy snowfall has stranded thousands of vehicles on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in the Qazigund area, halting traffic since Monday. The adverse weather has also led to multiple flight cancellations at Srinagar Airport, with passengers advised to contact their airlines. The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning for isolated thunderstorms with lightning and hail across Jammu & Kashmir. Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma reported that restoration work is underway for essential services, with efforts focused on electricity and road clearance in affected subdivisions.

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

  • Thousands of vehicles stranded
  • Flight cancellations at Srinagar Airport
  • IMD issues thunderstorm warning
  • Heavy snowfall in Pir Panjal range
2 min read

Thousands of vehicles stranded on Jammu-Srinagar highway due to snowfall

Heavy snowfall strands thousands of vehicles on Jammu-Srinagar highway, cancels flights at Srinagar Airport. IMD issues weather warning for J&K.

"I appeal to the traffic SSP to clear the road as soon as possible. There are thousands of vehicles here. - Truck driver"

Qazigund, January 27

Thousands of vehicles have been stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar highway since Monday due to snowfall in Kashmir. The valley received another fresh spell of snowfall on Monday night.

Clearance work is underway amid heavy snowfall in Anantnag, which has halted traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in the Qazigund area.

A truck driver said, "I have a truck... They have stopped all the vehicles since 9 AM yesterday... Yesterday, the road was entirely clear, there was no snowfall... I appeal to the traffic SSP to clear the road as soon as possible. There are thousands of vehicles here. It was snowing the entire night..."

Meanwhile, Srinagar Airport on Tuesday issued a statement for several flight cancellations in view of the unfavourable weather conditions and prevailing operational constraints. Among them, 6 Indigo, 2 Air Akasa, and 3 Air India Express flights had been cancelled till 9 AM.

The official X account of Srinagar Airport wrote, "Due to prevailing adverse weather conditions at Srinagar Airport, additional flights have been cancelled for today. The updated list of cancelled flights is attached. Passengers are advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate arrangements."

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several areas in the Jammu region are experiencing snowfall and rain on Tuesday, with Srinagar receiving "slight continuous snowflakes."

The IMD issued a weather warning of isolated thunderstorm activity with lightning, hail, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) over Jammu & Kashmir today. Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Rajouri district, witnessed heavy snowfall this season, with the Kotranka-Budhal belt in the Pir Panjal range receiving significant snowfall, turning the region into a major tourist attraction. Local residents said that such heavy snowfall has not been seen in nearly 25 years.

Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma said that due to western disturbances, heavy snowfall has occurred in the Pir Panjal range, with maximum snowfall recorded in the Thanamandi and Kotranka sub-divisions. "During my visit to Thanamandi, basic facilities and essential services were reviewed, and their restoration was checked. Electricity restoration at Kotranka will be completed by tonight. Vehicular movement will be within 1-2 hours. Continuous work on road traffic management is underway from early morning," he said, adding that efforts are being made to ensure uninterrupted rations, water, electricity, medical care and emergency services.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the situation is difficult, the IMD did issue warnings. Travelers should check forecasts before embarking on such journeys in winter. Hope the clearance work is completed soon and everyone stays safe.
A
Arjun K
Heart goes out to all the stranded people, especially the truck drivers. They are the lifeline of the valley, bringing essential supplies. The authorities must prioritize clearing the highway and ensure food and water reach them. Jai Hind.
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Priyanka N
Heavy snowfall after 25 years is a big deal! While it's causing trouble, it's also a blessing for tourism and agriculture in the long run. Hope the administration's restoration work is as swift as promised. 🤞
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Michael C
The flight cancellations add another layer of complexity. Travel to and from Kashmir is completely choked. It shows how vulnerable our infrastructure is to weather events, even predictable ones like winter snow.
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Karthik V
Respect to the ground teams working in such harsh conditions to restore power and clear roads. It's easy to criticize, but doing the actual work in continuous snowfall is incredibly tough. Stay safe, guys.
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Neha E
This is why we need better all-weather connectivity like the railway line and tunnels that are being built. The highway is too prone to

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