JAMMU, Aug 31: The Jammu-Srinagar national highway remained closed for fresh traffic for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday as incessant rains triggered fresh landslides, hampering restoration work, officials said.
A traffic department official said no fresh vehicles were allowed from Jammu or Srinagar, though stranded vehicles were being cleared on Saturday before a sinking stretch near Tharad Bridge forced a complete halt. “Traffic has been stopped from both sides till further update. People are advised not to travel on the highway or heed to rumors,” the official added.
Project Manager NHAI Ramban, Shubam, said torrential rains were obstructing efforts to clear debris. A massive 150-metre landslide at Tharad between Chenani and Udhampur blocked one tube of the highway and threatened the other.
Meanwhile, widespread rains lashed parts of Jammu region, disrupting normal life. In Jammu city, the circular road connecting Gujjar Nagar and Sidhra via Panjtirthi, popularly known as “Thandi Sadak,” was closed after shooting stones and landslides at multiple points. Officials advised commuters to use alternative routes. (Agencies)
