Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 1: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been reopened for traffic, but the body of a missing woman was discovered in the Poonch river today.
According to official sources, after clearing mud and landslides at various points between Nashri and Banihal, traffic was restored on this crucial route around 1 PM. At first, light motor vehicles were permitted to proceed in both directions.
The 270-kilometer highway, which connects Kashmir to the rest of India, had been closed since Thursday evening due to heavy snowfall and multiple landslides in the Ramban sector. Heavy rains caused shooting stones, mudslides, and landslides at numerous locations, including Kishtwari Pather, Mom Passi, Hingni, Panthiyal, Mehar, and Dalwas. Additionally, snowfall between Qazigund and Ramsu made the road particularly slippery. Click here to watch video
There has been a cave-in on one side of the road near Mehar, and a significant landslide has blocked one tube of the Kunfer-Peerah tunnel, resulting in traffic congestion. The narrow sections of the road have further contributed to traffic disruptions and lengthy jams.
A senior Traffic Police official noted that restoration efforts on the 66-kilometer stretch between Banihal and Nashri were intensified this morning after the weather improved.
“Light motor vehicles carrying passengers were allowed from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa,” he stated.
He urged commuters to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking, which can lead to increased congestion.
“Passengers are advised to use the highway only during daylight and to refrain from unnecessary stops between Ramban and Banihal due to the risk of landslides and shooting stones. Heavy motor vehicles will be permitted later, following a thorough evaluation of the road conditions,” he added. Deputy Commissioner of Ramban, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, reported that at least 16 locations along the 66-kilometer stretch have become vulnerable due to the recent rains.
“The road has been cleared in most areas, but in the Mehar region, the width has diminished due to the sinking of the side portion. This area poses a challenge. The relevant agency will address this situation within the next few days,” he explained. Choudhary, along with Senior Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh and SSP National Highway Rohit Raskotra, reviewed the vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, reports from Poonch confirm that the body of a missing woman has been recovered from the Poonch river near Dingla village. The victim has been identified as Shaheena Akhtar, a resident of Manjakote in Rajouri. This follows the recovery of the body of a missing man, Abdul Aziz, from the river on Friday. The search continues for another woman and a baby reported missing along the riverbanks.
It is important to note that these four individuals, including a newborn, went missing on Thursday evening when their Xylo vehicle slipped into the Suran river during heavy rain. Seven individuals were rescued by police and SDRF personnel and transported to a hospital. Unfortunately, one of them passed away at GMC hospital Rajouri the following night.
Additionally, the Batote-Kishtwar, Reasi-Mahore, and several other roads were reopened today. Power supply has also been restored in many remote areas by this evening.
