Jammu & Kashmir is experiencing heavy rainfall, affecting road travel across the region. Due to the heavy rain, a landslide blocked Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, causing delays for commuters and Amarnath pilgrims. Read on to know more!
Jammu-Srinagar Highway Hit By Landslide
A landslide in Jammu & Kashmir blocked the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway near Dewal in Udhampur district. As per India Today, due to this, authorities stopped traffic from both directions, leaving around 1,700 trucks and many passenger vehicles stranded between Udhampur and Banihal.
Officials quickly began removing the landslide debris with the help of NHAI. They also started repairing the damaged road. Passenger vehicles were allowed to pass first through the only open road. Meanwhile, no new vehicles were allowed to travel between Jammu and Srinagar, Doda, Ramban, Patnitop, or in the opposite direction until the road became safe again.
Also Read: Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: 10 Killed, Several Trapped In Landslide-Triggered Collapse; Rescue Ops On
Convoy Carrying Amarnath Pilgrims Continues Its Journey
Even after the landslide, officials allowed 3,823 Amarnath pilgrims to continue their journey. India Today reported that they travelled in 140 vehicles to the Baltal base camp after one side of the highway was reopened. The convoy travelled under tight security. Officials also said normal traffic is likely to start again once the second tunnel route becomes operational in the next few hours.
The highway reopened on Sunday after staying closed for three days because of heavy rain, landslides, and falling stones. However, after the Amarnath Yatra convoy passed, officials closed the road again for most of the day to remove fresh landslide debris from the Gangroo area on the Ramban–Banihal route.
We hope the situation gets under control soon!
Also Read: Jammu & Kashmir Rains: 11 Dead, Several Missing After Flash Floods, Landslides
Cover Image Courtesy: X/ @airnewsalerts
FAQs
Which road was blocked by the landslide in Jammu & Kashmir?
The landslide blocked the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Dewal in Udhampur district.
How many trucks were stranded at the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway?
Around 1,700 trucks were stranded after the landslide blocked the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
How did the landslide on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway affect Amarnath Yatra pilgrims?
Despite the landslide, officials allowed 3,823 Amarnath pilgrims travelling in 140 vehicles to continue their journey to the Baltal base camp under tight security.