A devastating landslide in Ramban district along the Jammu-Srinagar highway has resulted in a heartbreaking loss of life and further hampered efforts to reopen the crucial thoroughfare.
On Thursday, a laborer from Uttar Pradesh, identified as Desh Pal, tragically died after being caught under the massive landslide while working with a private construction company near Seeri. This unfortunate incident has further delayed the highway’s opening, which has now been blocked for three consecutive days.
The Jammu-Srinagar highway serves as the sole surface link connecting the Kashmir valley to the rest of the country. With the fresh landslide blocking the path, restoration efforts are currently underway at Kishtwari Pather, but authorities warn it will take time to complete.
Traffic authorities urge travelers to avoid using NH-44 until the road is officially declared clear. They advise seeking updates from the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) for the latest information.
Hundreds of vehicles, primarily trucks, remain stranded at various points along the highway. While partial restoration allowed stranded vehicles to clear on Wednesday afternoon, the fresh landslide has forced another closure, preventing any new traffic movement for the past three days.
