Srinagar, April 27, 2025 – Restoration and maintenance efforts on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) are in full swing following severe damage caused by flash floods and landslides in Ramban district on April 19–20, 2025. The 250-km highway, a critical lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India, was blocked at multiple points between Nashri and Banihal, stranding hundreds of vehicles and disrupting essential supplies. Authorities, including the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Indian Army, and local agencies, are working tirelessly to restore full connectivity, with one-way traffic resumed as of April 27.
The heavy rainfall, exceeding 117 mm in Ramban, triggered widespread destruction, damaging a 10-km stretch of NH44 and claiming three lives. Debris, mudslides, and boulders blocked the highway at nearly a dozen locations, prompting the J&K Traffic Department to suspend vehicular movement for several days. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) from Banihal, Karachial, Digdaul, Maitra, and Chanderkote, alongside heavy machinery like JCBs and earth movers from agencies such as KRCL, CPPL, and DMR, were deployed to clear the debris. The Indian Army has provided critical support, distributing food, water, and medical aid to stranded travelers while assisting in road clearance operations.
The NHAI estimates that full restoration may take up to six days due to the extent of the damage, though efforts are underway to ensure one-way traffic remains operational. A senior NHAI official noted that the highway’s vulnerability stems from both natural factors, like heavy rainfall, and man-made issues, such as inadequate planning during realignment. Geological experts have called for long-term solutions, including additional tunnels and bridges, to make NH44 an all-weather route. The ongoing four-laning project, costing Rs 16,000 crore, is expected to be completed by December 2026, with 210 km of the route and 10 tunnels already finished.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has assured the public that there is no immediate shortage of essential goods, with supplies being rerouted via the Mughal Road. Arrangements for rations, water tankers, and community kitchens have been made to support affected communities in Ramban. The government plans to review restoration efforts on April 27 and is coordinating with the central government for compensation under the SDRF and NDRF norms. Meanwhile, alternative routes like the Mughal Road are facilitating one-way traffic for light motor vehicles, subject to weather conditions.
The repeated closures of NH44 have sparked calls for a new all-weather highway to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. As restoration work continues, authorities are prioritizing the safety of travelers and the swift resumption of two-way traffic to mitigate economic and logistical challenges in the region.
