Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 7
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inspected restoration work along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, travelling by road from Jammu to Srinagar as heavy rain and landslides disrupted traffic on parts of the route.
Abdullah visited vulnerable stretches and received briefings from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Traffic Police and civil administration on road conditions, traffic management and repair work.
He called the highway a critical link for Jammu and Kashmir and directed agencies to accelerate restoration while maintaining safety standards.
“There is currently no reliable alternative to the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for connecting Jammu with Kashmir,” Abdullah told reporters in the Peera area of Ramban.
The chief minister said damage caused by rainfall, landslides, shooting stones and mudslides had complicated traffic management, but praised NHAI workers, police and civil officials for keeping the highway operational.
He identified the stretch between Peer Ki Gali and Bufliaz as particularly vulnerable and said longer-term alternatives, including tunnels, should be considered to reduce dependence on exposed road sections.
The disruptions have come during the fruit season and the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, increasing pressure on the road network.
Abdullah said priority was being given to vehicles carrying fruit from Kashmir and petroleum tankers travelling towards the Valley to prevent spoilage of agricultural produce and shortages of fuel and other essential commodities.
He urged motorists to cooperate with temporary traffic restrictions imposed during restoration work and adverse weather.
The chief minister also said alternative routes could ease pressure on the highway and help the movement of Amarnath yatris if authorities approved their use.
