Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 23
Heavy rain triggered a mudslide on the Batote-Doda-Kishtwar highway in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, while the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open to two-way traffic under regulation, authorities said.
Traffic was slow at several vulnerable stretches of NH-44, particularly at Dewal in Udhampur district and along the Maroog-Kishtwari Pather section in Ramban, where restoration and road works were under way.
At Dewal, a 30-40 metre section has been damaged and developed uneven surfaces and undulations. Traffic was being channelled through a single lane.
The National Highway Authority of India had deployed workers and machinery at vulnerable locations, while restoration work was continuing on the Srinagar-bound tube at Dewal and Dhramthal.
In Ramban, traffic was also being regulated through restricted single-lane sections along the Maroog-Kishtwari Pather stretch.
Meanwhile, a mudslide in the Ragi Nullah area between Batote and Doda brought mud, stones and debris onto NH-244, blocking the road for several hours.
Road maintenance crews cleared the debris and restored traffic by Sunday afternoon, officials said.
The disruption came as rainfall continued in parts of the Chenab Valley, raising the risk of further mudslides, landslides and falling rocks.
Traffic authorities advised motorists to avoid unnecessary night travel between Ramban and Banihal and to follow official advisories.
Subject to weather and road conditions, passenger vehicles, private cars, heavy vehicles and goods carriers were expected to be allowed to travel in both directions on NH-44 on Monday.
Authorities cautioned that traffic could be regulated or suspended if fresh landslides, mudslides or other obstructions occurred.
