Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 8

Heavy monsoon rains disrupted normal life across parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, inundating roads in Rajouri district and triggering traffic disruptions, while authorities restored one-way traffic on a key highway connecting Doda and Kishtwar after flash floods blocked the route earlier this week.

Intense rainfall lashed Rajouri district for several hours on Wednesday evening, flooding roads and low-lying neighbourhoods and slowing vehicular movement across the district. Residents remained indoors as persistent showers caused widespread waterlogging in both urban and rural areas.

Authorities advised people to avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve. No casualties or major damage had been reported by late evening.

The heavy rainfall came two days after flash floods and mudslides triggered by torrential rain buried stretches of National Highway-244 near Thathri in Doda district, cutting off the vital road link to Kishtwar.

Road restoration teams worked through the day to clear mud, boulders and debris from the highway before reopening it for one-way traffic, restoring connectivity to the mountainous district and allowing the movement of stranded commuters and essential supplies.

The flash floods damaged several houses, shops and vehicles in Thathri after torrents carrying mud and rocks swept through the town on Monday night. Authorities said clearance operations were continuing to remove damaged vehicles and restore normal traffic.

National Highway-244 is the principal road connecting Kishtwar with Doda, Batote and Jammu and has witnessed increased traffic because of the ongoing Machail pilgrimage in Kishtwar district.

Officials urged motorists to drive cautiously, warning that intermittent traffic restrictions could continue until restoration work is completed. Travellers were also advised to check the latest weather and traffic advisories before undertaking journeys through the Chenab Valley.

Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the Union Territory’s main all-weather road link, remained open for scheduled Amarnath Yatra convoys and light motor vehicles despite heavy rain in Ramban district and adjoining areas.

Traffic authorities said movement remained slow along single-lane stretches between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, while the breakdown of several vehicles near Digdol and Nachlana further delayed traffic.

To facilitate movement during the annual pilgrimage, authorities allowed local inter-district traffic after designated convoy hours subject to identity verification. Private vehicle users travelling towards Srinagar were advised to use the old Jawahar Tunnel road to avoid security-related delays, while commuters heading to Doda, Kishtwar and Bhaderwah were asked to use the old Patnitop route.

The Traffic Department cautioned motorists against night travel because of the risk of landslides, falling rocks and ongoing highway construction, particularly between Ramban and Banihal.

Heavy goods vehicles will continue to operate under alternate-day movement schedules, while transporters carrying perishable produce have been instructed to follow designated parking and convoy arrangements to minimise congestion.

Authorities said traffic on Thursday would remain subject to weather and road conditions, with separate movement schedules for passenger vehicles, Amarnath pilgrims and heavy commercial traffic. They advised travellers to confirm the latest highway status before beginning their journey.