A massive landslide on Monday disrupted traffic on the strategic Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in Udhampur district, authorities said, blocking the Srinagar‑bound carriageway and prompting traffic regulation on the vital corridor.
Location and immediate impact
Traffic department officials reported the slide occurred in the Darmathal‑Dewal area of the Udhampur‑Chenani sector. Large quantities of mud, rocks and other debris fell onto the highway and obstructed the upper tube towards Srinagar, officials said. Movement around nearby points including Jakhani and Dewal‑Samroli was also affected, with intermittent halts and single‑lane diversions instituted as road teams assessed conditions.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), along with local agencies, deployed machinery to clear the stretch and restore traffic, the officials added. Controlled releases and traffic regulation at several points were being implemented depending on the prevailing road conditions.
Why the highway closure matters
The nearly 300‑km Jammu–Srinagar highway is the principal overland link to the Valley for passengers and freight. While rail services have eased passenger movement between Jammu and Srinagar, the highway remains essential for transporting essential commodities, horticultural produce and vehicular traffic.
Authorities cautioned that prolonged closures during the ongoing apple harvesting season could cause significant losses for orchardists, because harvested fruit has a limited shelf life and timely transport to markets or cold storages is critical.
Traffic advisory and commuter guidance
Officials advised commuters to avoid non‑essential travel on the affected stretch until the route is declared safe. Motorists bound for Kashmir were urged to monitor the latest traffic advisories and exercise caution on known vulnerable sections.
- Check official NHAI and traffic department updates before starting travel.
- Avoid non‑essential journeys on the affected Udhampur‑Chenani stretch until all‑clear is issued.
- Allow extra time for travel; expect intermittent halts and single‑lane traffic at controlled release points.
- Freight operators moving perishable consignments, particularly apples, should liaise with transporters and cold‑storage facilities to mitigate losses.
Operational measures and local response
Clearing operations were underway with earth‑moving equipment brought in by NHAI and local teams. Traffic regulation included single‑lane working where feasible and controlled releases to prevent congestion and enable safe passage of essential traffic. No official statement on casualties or injuries was released in initial reports.
| Location | Situation |
|---|---|
| Darmathal‑Dewal (Udhampur‑Chenani) | Srinagar‑bound carriageway blocked; debris clearing in progress |
| Jakhani | Traffic affected; intermittent halts and diversions |
| Dewal‑Samroli | Single‑lane diversion and controlled releases implemented |
The traffic department said measures would continue to be adjusted based on road clearances and weather conditions. Authorities reiterated that safety of travellers and highway workers remained a priority while restoring normal traffic flow.
Wider implications
Disruptions on NH‑44 have a cascading effect across the Valley, particularly on supply chains for food and agricultural produce. With the apple harvest underway, delays can increase post‑harvest losses for growers and affect market supplies outside the Union Territory. The highway is also frequently used for movement of essential goods and emergency services, which elevates the importance of rapid clearance and accurate traffic advisories.
Officials asked the public to rely on official channels for updates and to avoid spreading unverified information that could hamper operations. Clearing teams continued work at the site at the time of reporting.
City: Udhampur
