Jammu-Srinagar highway closure hits local businesses hard, rains delay reopening

Traffic remained suspended for the 13th consecutive day on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH) due to damage caused by heavy rains, severely impacting eateries and small businesses that depend on the vital road link.

The highway was initially closed on August 26 following massive landslides triggered by torrential rain and flash floods. Although it was partially reopened on September 1, a fresh landslide at Thard in Udhampur district forced its closure once again. Repair work is currently underway.

Hundreds of eateries and small establishments line the Jammu-Srinagar NH, providing food and rest stops for travellers and truckers transporting essential supplies to the Kashmir Valley. Many of these businesses operate around the clock to serve long-haul drivers. However, with the main road to Kashmir shut, their operations have come to a near standstill. Petroleum products, including fuel and LPG, are now being rerouted through the Mughal Road, which winds through the Pir Panjal mountain range.

The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi has also been suspended following a tragic landslide incident on August 26 that claimed 34 lives. Thousands of pilgrims who typically travel via the Jammu-Srinagar NH are currently absent from the region.

Despite efforts to restore the highway on Sunday, heavy rains again hampered progress.

A National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official said ongoing rainfall disrupted the clearance of a 250-metre stretch still buried under debris at Thard in Udhampur district. “Explosives were used to blast giant boulders as part of the restoration process. Despite the rain, our men and machines are at work, but progress is slow,” he said.

In an advisory to the general public, Traffic Police stated that the NH remains closed for all vehicular movement between Jakheni (Udhampur) and Bali Nallah.

“No movement is allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) towards Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Ramban, Banihal, Srinagar, and vice versa. Local commuters from Katra, Reasi, and Udhampur must carry valid photo ID cards for smooth facilitation,” the advisory read.

Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored traffic on the Basohli–Bani road in Kathua district, providing much-needed relief to stranded residents.

“A portion of the road from Basohli to Bani had been washed away due to incessant rains, leaving a yawning gap at Tikri Morh, 47 km from Basohli. A new bypass had to be carved out under treacherous weather and terrain conditions. The task was carried out with calculated risk by our men and machines,” the Defence PRO Jammu said in a post on X.

He said the link was restored, establishing connectivity to Bhaderwah in Doda district from Basohli in Kathua. “Kudos to Sankar Tayal, Officer Commanding, 69 RCC (Road Construction Company) of BRO, and his team for accomplishing this challenging mission,” the post said.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast light rain or thundershowers at scattered to many places across Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of moderate showers in a few districts of Jammu division late on September 7 and into the early hours of September 8.