Srinagar-Jammu Highway Closed Due to Landslide: Traffic Advisory Issued

The Srinagar-Jammu national highway has been closed for two consecutive days due to a landslide in the Banihal sector. Traffic officials are working on clearing the road, but continuous rainfall is complicating efforts. Travelers are advised to avoid the highway until it is fully restored. This vital route is essential for transporting goods to the landlocked Valley, and despite recent renovations that have improved travel times, the highway remains vulnerable to weather-related disruptions. Stay updated through traffic police control rooms for the latest information.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 8, 2026, 12:48 IST

Traffic Disruption on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway

Photo: @KWeatherWatch/X

Srinagar, April 8: The strategic Srinagar-Jammu national highway has been closed for the second day in a row due to a recent landslide in the Banihal area of Ramban district.

According to officials from the traffic department, the national highway (NH44) is obstructed, and efforts to clear the road are currently underway at Shalgarhi, Banihal, which is expected to take some time.

Additionally, persistent rainfall is affecting conditions along the highway. Travelers are advised to avoid NH-44 until the road is completely cleared.

Officials urged the public to disregard rumors and to verify road conditions through the traffic police control rooms located in Srinagar and Jammu.

The highway had just reopened for traffic on Monday, but it was closed again following fresh landslides and falling stones.

While clearing debris at Karol Bridge and Chanderkote in Ramban district, another landslide occurred in the Banihal sector, further complicating the situation.

Heavy rainfall in the Jammu division has hindered restoration efforts, according to officials.

This nearly 300 km-long highway serves as a crucial supply route for the landlocked Valley, where essential goods are primarily transported via this route.

Despite the operational rail link between Jammu and the Valley, LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene, mutton, poultry, and vegetables continue to be delivered through tankers and trucks.

Until cargo trains can transport essential goods and export fruits during peak seasons, the Valley will remain reliant on this highway.

Recent renovations, including new bridges, flyovers, and tunnels, have reduced travel time between Srinagar and Jammu to five hours, down from 10 to 12 hours. However, the highway is still highly susceptible to weather conditions, particularly in the ecologically sensitive area from Ramsoo to Ramban town, where landslides and falling stones frequently obstruct the road, sometimes delaying restoration for several days.