Jammu, Sept 08: The long-awaited reopening of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is finally in sight, with officials confirming that restoration of the washed-out 250-meter stretch near Udhampur has entered its final phase. If weather conditions remain stable, the only all-weather road linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India could reopen for traffic by Monday night, ending a 13-day shutdown that left thousands stranded.
The highway, closed since August 26 after torrential rains, flash floods, and massive landslides, had briefly opened for a few hours on August 30 before fresh blockades forced authorities to shut it again. Crews from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been working round the clock to restore connectivity, blasting and removing six giant rocks and excavating three more to clear the most critical obstacles.
“The Thard stretch, which was completely washed away, has been the toughest to rebuild. Despite intermittent rain, the highway is now nearing traffic readiness,” said an NHAI official.
According to a traffic police advisory, movement will remain suspended between Jakheni (Udhampur) and Bali Nallah until full clearance is achieved. No vehicles are being allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) towards Srinagar or the reverse. Commuters heading to Katra and Udhampur must carry photo ID cards for verification.
Impact of Highway Closure
The closure has stranded over 4,000 vehicles, including trucks carrying essential supplies, across Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, Punjab, and Kashmir. The Mughal Road (Poonch–Shopian) remains operational, providing some relief.
Meanwhile, the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra from Katra to the shrine atop Trikuta Hills continues to be suspended for the 14th straight day. Army personnel and locals are distributing food and rations daily to stranded travelers.
