Umaisar Gull Ganie
Qazigund, Jan 27: The Srinagar-Jammu national highway remains closed for traffic due to heavy snowfall and accumulation of snow on the Qazigund–Banihal–Ramban stretch, rendering the road non-motorable, officials said on Tuesday.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that no traffic was allowed to ply on the Jammu-Srinagar highway as snow clearance operations were underway. They said passenger safety remains paramount. “Traffic has been stopped at all holding points as the road surface has turned into a virtual ice sheet,” an official said.
He said that due to heavy snowfall, the highway was closed from both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. “Though clearance work was taken up, the highway is still inaccessible for full traffic movement,” he added.
According to officials, some heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) are stranded along the snow-bound Qazigund axis and in the Banihal–Ramban sector.
“Restoration efforts are ongoing and are subject to weather conditions. Stranded vehicles are being provided with the necessary assistance, and traffic will be allowed only after a green signal from concerned agencies,” the official said.
The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road, Bhaderwah–Chamba Road, Mughal Road and Sinthan Road are also closed due to snow accumulation.
Speaking to KNO, Inspector General of Police (Traffic), M. Suleman Choudhary said the Jammu-Srinagar highway was closed due to snowfall on the Qazigund axis and the Banihal–Ramban stretch.
“The highway will remain closed tomorrow as well, and traffic will be restored only if weather conditions improve and a green signal is received from road agencies,” the IGP said.
Railway services were also affected due to snowfall, with three up and five down trains suspended, officials said. However, Vande Bharat trains and two additional special trains were operated amid the inclement weather.
Around 1,400 passengers travelled in the two special reserved trains operated by the Jammu Division to manage the rush caused by road closures and adverse weather. More than 650 passengers travelled in the first special train, while over 700 passengers travelled in the second one.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Uchit Singhal, said that the special reserved train ensured connectivity between Katra and the Kashmir Valley during the adverse weather.
“The train maintained an occupancy rate of over 100 per cent. Passengers appreciated the service, terming it extremely beneficial, especially when road and air connectivity were disrupted,” Singhal said. “Such initiatives ensure safe travel during bad weather and improve passenger convenience, particularly during the tourist season.”—(KNO)
