Overview

• The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was shut on August 18 after heavy rainfall led to landslides and shooting stones in Ramban and Udhampur districts.
• The J-K Traffic Police ordered a complete halt to vehicular movement and advised commuters to avoid the route until it is declared safe.
• National Highways Authority of India teams and local authorities have deployed machinery and personnel to clear blockages and reopen the highway.
• Alternative corridors via the Mughal Road and Sinthan Top remain operational, and officials have urged strict lane discipline to prevent congestion.
• Recurring weather-driven closures since April have disrupted Kashmir’s only all-weather road link, underscoring persistent supply and mobility challenges.