The Srinagar-Jammu national highway has remained closed for the third consecutive day on Sunday, as fresh snowfall swept across parts of Kashmir, including the capital city of Srinagar, according to officials. This prolonged closure has disrupted transportation and left hundreds of vehicles stranded along the crucial 270-kilometre route.
Snowfall Halts Traffic on Key Highway
Authorities were forced to shut down the highway on Friday after heavy snowfall made the road impassable. Since then, the situation has worsened with ongoing snowfall, particularly in the Kulgam district, where snow clearance operations are actively underway. A senior traffic police official stated, "The highway is still closed as snow clearance operations are going on. The restoration might take some time as fresh snowfall is going on around the highway in Kulgam district." This indicates that travelers and commuters may face further delays before normal traffic can resume.
Stranded Vehicles and Local Impact
Hundreds of vehicles have been left stranded since Friday, causing inconvenience to passengers and disrupting supply chains. The closure of this vital artery affects not only local residents but also interstate travel and commerce, highlighting the challenges posed by severe winter weather in the region. Srinagar city itself experienced light snowfall in the early hours of Sunday, adding to the existing snow cover and complicating efforts to clear the roads.
Flight Operations Unaffected Amid Weather Woes
Despite the adverse road conditions, flight operations at Srinagar International Airport have remained largely unaffected. An official from the Airport Authority of India confirmed, "The flight operations at Srinagar airport are going on normally." In a testament to this, three flights successfully arrived at the airport on Sunday, demonstrating that air travel continues to provide a reliable alternative for those needing to reach or depart from the region during this period of road closures.
The ongoing snowfall and highway closure underscore the seasonal challenges faced by Kashmir during winter months, with authorities working diligently to restore connectivity while ensuring safety for all travelers.
