Ramban, Jammu & Kashmir, May 3, 2025 – The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44), a critical lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India, was restored for stranded traffic late Friday evening, May 2, 2025, after being blocked by a massive mudslide and landslide at the Chamba-Seri stretch in Ramban district. The highway’s reopening brings relief to thousands of commuters, including tourists and truckers, who were stranded due to heavy rainfall triggering natural disruptions.
According to SSP Traffic NHW Raja Adil Hameed, who personally monitored the restoration efforts, the highway was cleared after intensive work to remove debris and stabilise the road. “First, we cleared the Jammu-bound vehicles stranded at Seri, and then we allowed stranded Srinagar-bound vehicles,” Hameed stated. However, heavy vehicles remained stranded at locations like Chenani, Peeda, Chanderkoot, and Ramban, with traffic authorities advising commuters to check advisories before traveling.
The blockage, caused by overnight heavy rains, damaged a portion of the culvert at Chamba-Seri, forcing authorities to divert all traffic through a single tube of the highway. The restoration, completed in approximately 3-4 hours, was a coordinated effort by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and local traffic police, ensuring the safe resumption of two-way traffic.
This reopening follows a series of disruptions on NH-44, with recent landslides and flash floods in Ramban causing significant delays. On April 29, 2025, the highway was briefly restored after NHAI cleared debris, but traffic mismanagement led to renewed congestion, drawing criticism from commuters on social media. Posts on X highlighted frustration over simultaneous two-way traffic decisions, with users calling for better coordination to avoid risking lives.
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, spanning 250 kilometers, has faced repeated closures in recent weeks due to extreme weather, including cloudbursts and heavy snowfall. A notable closure on April 21, 2025, left hundreds of vehicles stranded, with restoration efforts estimated to take six days. The highway’s vulnerability to landslides, particularly in the Ramban-Banihal stretch, underscores the need for ongoing infrastructure improvements to ensure all-weather connectivity.
Commuters are urged to stay updated via official channels like the J&K Traffic Police’s social media handles for real-time advisories. The restoration of NH-44 not only alleviates immediate travel disruptions but also supports the flow of essential supplies to the Kashmir Valley, which relies heavily on this route.
