Shoaib Pathan
Srinagar, Sept 09 (KINS): The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the lifeline of Kashmir Valley, is likely to reopen for light motor vehicles on Wednesday after remaining closed for nine consecutive days.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has assured that restoration work on the damaged stretch in Udhampur district is progressing on war-footing, with heavy machinery pressed into service round the clock.
“As per the NHAI, tomorrow the highway is likely to be opened for light motor vehicles. The movement of heavy motor vehicles will depend upon the situation thereafter,” he said, adding that safety of commuters remains the top priority.
Divisional Commissioner acknowledged that incessant rains and adverse weather conditions have been hampering the restoration process. “Machinery is working day and night. Unfortunately, continuous rainfall slows down operations. But safety is important, and we cannot compromise on that,” he noted.
The Divisional Commissioner further said that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has personally reviewed the situation and directed authorities to ensure immediate restoration of traffic. “The LG summoned the senior officials and instructed them to expedite the process without delay,” he added.
The 270-kilometre-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has remained shut for traffic since August 26 due to torrential rains, flash floods, and multiple landslides. A 250-metre-long stretch in Udhampur suffered massive damage, disrupting the only all-weather road link between the Valley and the rest of the country.
Although the road was briefly thrown open on August 30, persistent slides forced its closure again. In total, the crucial highway has been blocked for 15 days, severely impacting supplies of essential commodities, passenger movement, and trade activities.
Authorities said full restoration may still take some time, but efforts are being made to first allow passenger and light goods traffic in a regulated manner, before permitting heavy vehicles.(KINS)
