Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 21

Heavy rain triggered mudslides, shooting stones and waterlogging at several vulnerable stretches of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Tuesday, slowing traffic in Udhampur and Ramban districts but leaving the strategic road open.

Officials reported disruptions near Sharda Mata Mandir, Tharad, Bali Nallah and Kheri on the uptube of the highway.

At Tharad, rainwater overflowed a single-lane bridge after drains became clogged, prompting authorities to temporarily divert traffic through the downtube.

The NHAI deployed personnel and machinery to clear debris and shooting stones.

Traffic moved slowly along single-lane stretches between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, while vehicle breakdowns at Seri, Nachlana and other locations caused temporary congestion.

The Traffic Police Headquarters advised commuters to avoid unnecessary journeys and check the latest road conditions with traffic control units in Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar before setting out.

The advisory came as the IMD forecast further heavy rainfall, raising the possibility of additional landslides, flash floods and shooting stones.

Authorities advised LMV operators to travel during daylight and avoid night journeys, particularly between Ramban and Banihal, where road widening works and landslide-prone stretches continue to pose risks.

Subject to weather and road conditions, LMVs would be permitted from both Jammu and Srinagar, while heavy vehicles would continue to operate under an alternate-day traffic plan.

The Traffic Police said the highway remained open but warned that conditions were unpredictable. Motorists were advised to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, avoid overloading and carry sufficient fuel.