Srinagar, Jan 21: The Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with outside world, remained closed for over ten hours due to shooting stones at Panthyal in Ramban district and closure of C-N Tunnel.
“Traffic movement remained halted for eight hours from both ends on Jammu-Srinagar highway in view of road blocked at Panthyal due to continuous shooting stones,” a traffic police official said, adding, “C-N Tunnel closed for 02 hrs 20 mins by Tunnel authority, making the total blockage of 10 hrs. 20 mins. There was slow movement on NH-44 due to breakdown of 04 HMVs between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel.”
He said while MeT department has predicted heavy rainfall and snowfall from January 22, there are chances of blockade of highway. “People are advised not to travel on Jammu-Srinagar highway without confirmation from TCUs,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said, subject to fair weather and road clearance, LMVs Passenger and Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on the throughfare viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. “TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic.”
Yesterday, the highway was closed for three hours and 20 minutes due to shooting stones at Panthyal.
Mughal road, connecting twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri with Shopian, as well as Srinagar-Leh highway have been already closed for this winter.
The Mughal road has been closed for vehicular movement vide District Magistrate Shopian’s order from January 5 in view of snow accumulation.
Also, the Srinagar-Leh highway was closed for vehicular movement vide Divisional Commissioner Ladakh UT’s order (no. 75) on January 6 in view of snow accumulation.
