The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which remained shut for six days due to landslides, was partially reopened for traffic on Monday, officials confirmed.
Authorities said that priority is being given to clearing over 2,000 stranded vehicles before allowing fresh traffic. Drivers have been advised to maintain lane discipline, as overtaking on the narrow stretch could lead to fresh blockades.
“Any congestion will cause inconvenience to commuters and disrupt smooth passage,” the traffic department cautioned in a statement.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who inspected the affected stretch on Sunday, said that complete restoration could take 20–25 days. An alternate route has been made available to ensure connectivity.
Meanwhile, the Mughal Road, Srinagar-Leh Highway, and Sinthan Pass route to Kishtwar remain open.
Since August 14, torrential rains have killed 136 people and injured over 100 in Jammu division, causing extensive damage to roads, bridges, and property. Kishtwar and Reasi districts were the worst hit — a cloudburst in Kishtwar’s Chashoti village claimed 67 lives, mostly Machail Mata pilgrims, while a landslide near the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi killed 36 devotees.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a high-level probe into the Vaishno Devi tragedy. Rail services have also been disrupted, though special trains are running to help stranded passengers.
