Srinagar : The strategic Jammu-Srinagar highway reopened on Wednesday after remaining shut for more than a day and a half due at Shalgadi Banihal in Ramban district, officials said.
The highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with the outside world, was closed on Tuesday amid heavy landslides in the area and the situation was described “dire” by the officials.
This afternoon, the thoroughfare reopened and first stranded traffic was allowed by having single carriageway through at Shalgari, Banihal. “Stranded vehicles were allowed first and rest followed,” officials said.
“Subject to fair weather and road clearance, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar highway viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa,” they said, adding, “TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic.”
The government also announced three days as “dry days” for repairing “critical” spots along highway and as such there will be no traffic on these days on the thoroughfare.
“Dry Days announced by Government for Feb 24, Mar 03 & Mar 10 for repair & maintenance of critical spots on NH-44,” government said in a statement.
“NHAI has been directed by the Govt. to repair and maintenance works on highway between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel,” traffic officials said, adding, “Because of this necessary repair work, traffic will remain suspended from Nashri towards NAVYUG Tunnel and vice versa from 0600 hours on 24 February to 0600 hour on 25th February 2023. Moreover, similar dry days on NH-44 will also be observed on 3rd and 10th March.” (GNS)
