BRO Restores Jammu-Poonch Highway After Massive Landslide Halts Traffic

POONCH, June 13, 2026 — Hundreds of commuters were left stranded on the Jammu-Poonch National Highway (NH-144) on Saturday morning after a massive landslide struck the Lassana area of Surankote. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) launched an emergency response on a war footing, restoring the strategic artery after a five-hour closure that paralyzed connectivity to the border district.

The disruption began in the early hours of Saturday when intense weather conditions triggered a significant portion of the hillside to collapse. The resulting slide deposited a vast volume of mud, boulders, and debris across the highway, rendering it impassable for all vehicular traffic.

BRO Mobilizes for Rapid Clearance at Lassana

The Border Roads Organisation, tasked with maintaining critical infrastructure in the region, immediately dispatched heavy machinery and specialized teams to the site. According to official sources, the operation was prioritized due to the highway's role as a vital lifeline for both civilians and security forces stationed along the Line of Control (LoC).

The clearance effort lasted approximately five hours, during which BRO personnel worked to stabilize the slope and remove tons of earth. By early evening, the road was declared safe for general traffic, allowing over 200 small and heavy vehicles to proceed toward their respective destinations in Jammu and Poonch.

Impact on Commuters and Strategic Supply Lines

The closure caused significant distress for travelers, many of whom were caught in high-altitude zones without immediate access to amenities. Commercial transport, including trucks carrying essential supplies and fresh produce, faced delays that threatened local market stability in the Poonch and Rajouri districts.

Local administration officials noted that while the road has been reopened, the threat of further slides remains high due to persistent weather patterns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "yellow alert" for the region, forecasting scattered rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir over the next 48 hours.

Official Sources Section

The restoration of NH-144 was confirmed through official channels:

• Border Roads Organisation (BRO): Reported the completion of the five-hour operation on a war footing.

• Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police: Provided updates on the resumption of vehicular movement from both sides.

• India Meteorological Department (IMD): Provided the weather forecast and warning levels for the Surankote region.

Quote Section

According to officials at the site:

"The landslide at Lassana was substantial, blocking both lanes of the highway. Our priority was to clear the debris as quickly as possible to prevent a prolonged humanitarian crisis for the stranded passengers. We urge commuters to adhere to the latest traffic advisories as the terrain remains sensitive to rainfall."

Why It Matters

NH-144 is the primary route connecting the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri with the rest of Jammu and Kashmir. Any disruption here halts the flow of medical supplies, food, and personnel. For local businesses and the tourism sector, these closures represent immediate economic losses and logistical hurdles.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Location: NH-144 near Lassana, Surankote (Poonch District).

• Duration of Halt: 5 hours (Saturday morning to afternoon).

• Scale of Impact: 200+ vehicles stranded; hundreds of passengers affected.

• Agency in Charge: Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

• Casualties: No injuries or fatalities were reported during the incident.

FAQ Section

Q1: Is the Jammu-Poonch Highway currently open? Yes, the BRO has cleared the landslide at Lassana, and traffic movement has been restored as of Saturday evening.

Q2: What caused the landslide in Poonch? The landslide was triggered by intense weather conditions and recent rainfall that loosened the soil on the steep hillsides of the Surankote region.

Q3: Are there any travel advisories for NH-144? Authorities advise commuters to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and to check the status of the highway with the Traffic Control Room before starting their journey.

Source: ANI News Service, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) updates, and Local Administration Reports (Poonch).