Jammu-Srinagar Highway Remains Closed Amid Ongoing Landslide Risks

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been closed for two consecutive days due to landslides and heavy rainfall, impacting major pilgrimages in the region. Authorities are working on clearance operations, but the road remains unsafe for travel. A special train service has been initiated to assist stranded tourists. With adverse weather conditions persisting, thousands of devotees are currently held up at various base camps. Free food and shelter arrangements are in place for those affected. Stay updated on the situation as officials monitor the weather and road conditions closely.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 24, 2026, 12:53 IST

Current Situation on Jammu-Srinagar Highway

Representational Image

Srinagar, July 24: The crucial Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been shut down for the second day in a row, with all major Yatras in the region suspended for the sixth consecutive day as of Friday.

The closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is attributed to intermittent landslides and falling rocks at various points, a situation exacerbated by persistent rainfall.

Authorities have reported that while clearance operations are ongoing, the highway has not yet been deemed safe for vehicular traffic.

Travelers are being advised to refrain from making trips due to the potential for additional landslides and falling debris.

Officials have also requested that the public disregard rumors and verify the road's status through the Traffic Police’s social media accounts and Traffic Control Units.

In light of the highway's closure, Northern Railways arranged a special train service between Srinagar and Katra on Thursday, facilitating the travel of 600 tourists out of the Valley. This initiative was directed by Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal to provide safe and comfortable transit for those stranded.

The special train departed from Srinagar at 5:10 p.m., made a stop at Banihal, and arrived at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra by 8:15 p.m.

Railway officials emphasized that this service was established to ensure timely and secure travel for passengers, especially those needing onward connections from Katra and Jammu Tawi.

“The convenience and safety of passengers are our utmost priorities. Given the slow pace of road traffic, we decided to operate this special train to help passengers reach their destinations without hassle,” Singhal stated.

Travelers are encouraged to check the latest train schedules via the NTES app, the IRCTC website, or the 139 railway helpline before starting their journeys.

Officials noted that the Jammu Division has been running special trains as necessary to maintain travel continuity during adverse weather conditions.

Meanwhile, all significant religious pilgrimages in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Shri Amarnath ji Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, and Shiv Khori Yatra, have been suspended for the sixth day due to severe weather, heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslide threats.

The suspensions were initiated following warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Intense rainfall, cloudbursts, and mudslides have prompted a red alert, rendering the routes unsafe. Thousands of devotees are currently stranded at various base camps, including Pahalgam, Baltal, Jammu, and Katra, with major pilgrimage routes and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway facing significant disruptions.

Officials have decided to keep the Yatra movements halted until weather conditions improve and the tracks are restored. Free meals (langars) and shelter have been arranged for the stranded pilgrims at different base camps.