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The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a vital artery connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India, has been reopened for light motor vehicles after extensive road restoration work. The highway, a 270-kilometer stretch, was closed on Thursday evening following heavy snowfall and a series of landslides triggered by incessant rains in the Ramban district. This closure caused significant disruption to travel and commerce, highlighting the region's vulnerability to weather-related disruptions. The reopening of the highway signifies a crucial step towards restoring normalcy and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and essential supplies to the valley. The road repair efforts were significantly hampered by continuous rainfall on Friday, which further exacerbated the challenging conditions. However, with improved weather conditions on Saturday morning, the restoration work on the critical 66-kilometer Banihal-Nashri stretch was intensified, leading to the eventual reopening of the highway. The reopening of the highway is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the road maintenance crews who worked tirelessly to clear the debris and repair the damaged sections, often under adverse weather conditions. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is not merely a road; it is a lifeline for the people of Kashmir. It serves as the primary conduit for the transportation of goods, services, and people, connecting the region to the rest of the country. Any disruption to this critical infrastructure can have far-reaching consequences, impacting the economy, healthcare, and overall well-being of the population. The closure of the highway often leads to shortages of essential commodities, increased prices, and difficulties in accessing medical care. Therefore, ensuring the year-round operability of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is of paramount importance for the sustainable development and prosperity of the region. The heavy rains that led to the closure of the highway triggered a series of geological hazards, including shooting stones, mudslides, and landslides at multiple locations, including Kishtwari Pather, Moum Passi, Hingni, Panthiyal, Mehar, and Dalwas. Additionally, snowfall between Qazigund and Ramsu rendered the road slippery and hazardous for vehicles. One particularly challenging situation arose near Mehar, where a section of the road caved in, significantly reducing its width. A major landslide also blocked one tube of the Kunfer-Peerah tunnel, further complicating the restoration efforts. The Ramban deputy commissioner, Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary, highlighted the presence of at least 16 vulnerable locations along the 66-kilometer road stretch, emphasizing the severity of the damage caused by the rains. The restoration work involved clearing the debris from landslides, repairing damaged road surfaces, and implementing measures to prevent further geological hazards. The challenges faced by the road maintenance crews were immense, requiring them to work in difficult terrain, often under adverse weather conditions. The safety of the workers was also a major concern, given the risk of further landslides and shooting stones. The traffic department spokesperson cautioned commuters to exercise caution while traveling on the reopened highway, advising them to follow lane discipline and avoid overtaking to prevent congestion. Passengers were also advised to travel only during the day and avoid unnecessary stops between Ramban and Banihal due to the potential for landslides and shooting stones. Heavy motor vehicles were initially restricted from using the highway to allow for a thorough assessment of the road's condition. The Ramban deputy commissioner, along with the senior superintendents of police for Ramban and the national highway, conducted a review of the vulnerable locations to assess the progress of the restoration work and identify any remaining challenges. The landslide at Peerah was addressed by diverting traffic through the other tube of the tunnel, minimizing disruption. The authorities also ensured that all stranded vehicles were cleared from the highway. The incident underscores the need for long-term solutions to mitigate the risk of landslides and other geological hazards along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. This includes investing in slope stabilization measures, improving drainage systems, and implementing early warning systems to alert commuters of potential dangers. Furthermore, the development of alternative transportation routes, such as the proposed railway line between Jammu and Srinagar, could reduce the region's reliance on the highway and provide a more resilient transportation network. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is a critical piece of infrastructure that plays a vital role in the economic and social well-being of the Kashmir Valley. The reopening of the highway after the recent closure is a positive development, but it also serves as a reminder of the region's vulnerability to weather-related disruptions. Addressing this vulnerability requires a comprehensive approach that includes investing in infrastructure improvements, implementing effective risk management strategies, and promoting sustainable development practices. By taking these steps, we can ensure the long-term operability of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and provide a reliable transportation link for the people of Kashmir.
Source: Jammu-Srinagar National Highway reopens after road restoration work, improved weather conditions