Rain triggers mudslides, disrupts traffic on Srinagar-Jammu National highway

Traffic movement along the Mehar-Cafeteria stretch of Ramban on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was brought to a standstill for several hours on Saturday morning following a brief spell of rain.

Officials reported that the highway became impassable due to mudslides and shooting stones triggered by the rainfall. Areas affected included Mehar-Cafeteria stretch of Ramban, Panthyal, Tunnel T2, Mom Passi Ramsu, and Kishtwari Pathar.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) swiftly deployed men and machinery to clear the debris, allowing stranded traffic to resume their journeys by around 11 am.
According to traffic authorities, the disruption lasted for approximately three hours, affecting vehicular movement on multiple sections of the highway. Heavy rainfall led to mudslides and intermittent rolling stone incidents, particularly at T2 Panthyal and Kishtwari Pathar.

Despite efforts to regulate traffic flow and clear the affected areas, road conditions remained challenging due to slippery surfaces at Dalwass, Mehar, and Cafeteria. Moreover, poor road surface conditions were reported in various locations between Nashri and Banihal.

Despite these challenges, authorities managed to maintain two-way traffic flow amidst shooting stones at Panthyal. Looking ahead, traffic officials at the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Ramban announced that, weather permitting, both light motor vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles would be permitted to ply on the highway on Sunday. However, commuters were advised to verify road conditions before embarking on their journeys. Earlier in the day, a moving vehicle in the Peera area of Nashri was struck by a shooting stone, fortunately resulting in no injuries. As the region grapples with unpredictable weather patterns, authorities continue to monitor road conditions closely, ensuring the safety and convenience of travelers on the vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.