Image Source: The Sunday Guardian
After a gruelling 14-day closure triggered by flash floods and landslides, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway—a 270-kilometre all-weather lifeline joining the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India—has finally reopened, with traffic moving smoothly across a newly built diversion road at the Thard-Jakheni landslide site in Udhampur district. The swift response and tireless efforts of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and ground teams have provided much-needed respite to thousands of stranded travellers and restored the flow of essential supplies.
Key Highlights: Timeline and Operations
The highway was first closed on August 26, 2025, after multiple landslides and floods, reopening briefly on August 30 before another major landslide halted all movement.
On September 2, a massive 550 x 300-metre landslide buried the road near Thard-Jakheni, making restoration extremely challenging.
NHAI workers laboured tirelessly in adverse conditions, including constant rain and mud, working 24x7 to clear debris and resume connectivity.
Construction of a 300-metre diversion road was completed on a war footing starting September 7, enabling the resumption of traffic by September 9.
Impact on Connectivity and Daily Life
The closure stranded more than 4,000 vehicles at various points across Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, Kashmir Valley, and even Punjab, severely affecting daily commuters, truckers, and pilgrims.
Essential supplies to Kashmir Valley, Doda, and Kishtwar districts were disrupted, with authorities making focused efforts to clear stranded trucks and restore local markets.
The pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine underwent a 16-day suspension, amplifying the inconvenience and emotional impact on devotees.
Other Regional Roads and Damage Assessment
In addition to the main highway, several other key arteries faced blockages: the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri highway was closed after a Zojila landslide but has since reopened, while the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag and Mughal Road (linking Poonch with Shopian) are also functional; however, Batote-Doda-Kishtwar road remains shut due to further landslides.
The extent of the natural disaster is sobering—nearly 12,000 kilometres of road have been damaged across Jammu and Kashmir, complicating logistics, rural life, and emergency response efforts.
Response and Restoration Efforts
The NHAI and Border Roads Organisation coordinated an intensive rescue and clean-up operation—using heavy machinery, explosives for boulder removal, and all-weather working teams.
Authorities praised local workers and engineers for their relentless contributions, which enabled the creation of the diversion road amid hazardous terrain and continuous downpours.
Northern Railway introduced special trains between Katra and Sangaldan to assist stranded passengers during the closure, supplementing bus and emergency transport connections.
Community and Governance Support
State agencies are now focusing on expediting the removal of remaining stranded vehicles, ensuring essential commodities reach their destinations, and preventing future blockages through enhanced landslide management.
Pilgrimages and commerce are gradually resuming, with local administration monitoring safety and traffic flow.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway marks a triumph of resilience and coordinated effort in the face of complex natural challenges. The creation of the 300-metre diversion road at the landslide site is a testament to human ingenuity and determination, restoring a critical artery for trade, pilgrimage, and communication in Jammu and Kashmir. As communities recover, the episode underscores the need for continued investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure and rapid response mechanisms.
Sources: Sunday Guardian Live, India TV News, Tribune India, Mid-Day
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