Srinagar, August 31, 2025 – In a hands-on display of leadership amid ongoing crisis, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah personally inspected the extensive damage caused by relentless landslides and heavy rainfall along the critical Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in Udhampur district on Sunday. The visit underscores the government’s urgent push to restore connectivity on this vital lifeline, which has been severely disrupted, stranding hundreds of vehicles and isolating remote areas.Accompanied by key officials including District Commissioner Udhampur, the Chief Minister traversed the affected stretches, assessing the scale of destruction firsthand. Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Abdullah highlighted the challenges posed by the incessant rains that have battered the region over the past week. “The highway has suffered damages at several points due to landslides. It will take around 20 to 25 days for complete restoration.
However, we have prepared an alternate route where double-side traffic is being managed for now,” he stated, emphasizing that the Udhampur sector has emerged as the most problematic area this time, unlike previous incidents focused on Ramban-Banihal.The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, spanning approximately 270 km, remains partially closed for normal traffic, with only limited movement allowed for stranded vehicles. A 60-meter stretch near Bali Nallah in Udhampur caved in due to land subsidence, exacerbating the situation following record-breaking rainfall—Udhampur recorded 630 mm in 24 hours ending August 27, the highest since 2019. Over 2,000 vehicles were initially stranded, and fresh shooting stones and overnight rains have repeatedly hampered restoration efforts by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local teams.
This physical inspection follows a high-level review meeting chaired by Abdullah in Srinagar on August 30, where he directed authorities to prioritize swift restoration of NH-44 and other affected roads. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo briefed the meeting, describing the highway as the “top priority” for reconnecting Kashmir with the rest of India and facilitating the transport of perishable goods like fruits from the Valley. The meeting also addressed the dire conditions in cut-off areas such as Kishtwar, Reasi, Bani, and Udhampur, plagued by power outages, water shortages, disrupted mobile networks, and severed road links.Abdullah enquired about essential supplies in these isolated regions, ordering replenishment via alternate routes—including Anantnag for Kishtwar and Bhaderwah for Bani—until full restoration. Divisional Commissioners assured sufficient stocks of ration, fuel, and medicines in Jammu and the Kashmir Valley, with special trains arranged for passengers and tourists.
The Chief Minister mandated twice-daily status reports on all disconnected roads under agencies like BRO, NHAI, and NHIDCL to ensure coordinated action.The ongoing disruptions have ripple effects across Jammu and Kashmir, impacting tourism, trade, and daily life. While Mughal Road and Sinthan Top serve as alternatives for light vehicles, heavy motor vehicles are restricted. Officials remain optimistic that, weather permitting, normal traffic could resume soon after clearing stranded vehicles, but the 20-25 day timeline for full repairs highlights the massive scale of the destruction.Abdullah’s proactive approach, including his travel from Srinagar to Ramban and Udhampur for on-ground assessments, has been praised for demonstrating commitment to affected communities. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel and adhere to traffic advisories.
