Ramban, September 12 ,2025: The strategic Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44), the only all-weather road connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, was reopened for Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) on Thursday after remaining closed for 16 days due to massive landslides, shooting stones, and continuous rainfall.
Officials of the Traffic Police Department confirmed that stranded HMVs, including trucks carrying essential supplies, petroleum products, and other commodities, have been allowed to move from Qazigund towards Jammu and vice versa in a regulated manner. The prolonged closure had caused severe disruption in the supply chain, leading to shortages and a spike in transportation costs across the Valley.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) worked round-the-clock to clear debris, repair damaged stretches, and restore connectivity at critical spots in Ramban district, including Panthyal, Nachlana, and Banihal.
Authorities said priority has been given to trucks carrying essential goods, while movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) will continue to be regulated based on weather and road conditions. Commuters have been advised to follow traffic advisories issued daily by the Traffic Control Unit (TCU).
The reopening of the Srinagar-Jammu Highway comes as a major relief to traders, transporters, and residents of Kashmir, who had been facing immense hardships due to the prolonged blockade of the vital lifeline.
