Kashmir Impulse Desk

Ramban, Aug 3

Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was disrupted on Monday after fresh rain turned a landslide-prone stretch near Dewal in Udhampur district slushy and unsafe, authorities said.

The highway was reopened for stranded vehicles in the evening, with traffic being regulated one way at a time through the vulnerable Samroli-Dewal section.

The disruption caused long queues of Jammu-bound trucks at Ramban, Chanderkote, Nashri and Chenani as authorities managed the movement in phases.

Earlier, traffic from both directions was suspended to allow the National Highways Authority of India and other agencies to clear slush and debris and repair the damaged carriageway.

Vehicles began moving through the affected section on a regulated basis at around 7:30 p.m. after restoration work.

Officials said commuters continued to face delays at Dewal and other vulnerable stretches, including between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather in Ramban district.

The highway has witnessed repeated disruptions over the past two weeks due to landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and flash floods, affecting the movement of passengers, essential supplies, fruit-laden trucks and Amarnath pilgrims.

Traffic authorities advised motorists to travel during daylight hours and check official advisories before starting their journey.