Srinagar, September 22: A massive traffic jam along the National Highway brought movement to a grinding halt on Monday, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded for hours in Qazigund and adjacent areas.
Commuters, including tourists and locals, were stuck in long queues as the congestion stretched for several kilometers.
According to officials, the traffic congestion was triggered after authorities allowed heavy movement of vehicles from Jammu. The increased flow overwhelmed the narrow and already busy stretches of the highway, especially in areas prone to bottlenecks.
“The sudden release of traffic from Jammu caused heavy congestion along the route,” an official from the traffic department said.
“We have deployed additional personnel along the highway to manage the situation and expedite the clearing process.”
Eyewitnesses reported that many travelers, including families and elderly people, were seen stepping out of their vehicles in frustration, with little information on how long the delay would last. Several complained about lack of communication and poor management on the ground.
“We’ve been stuck for more than four hours without any updates,” said one commuter. “There’s no sign of traffic moving anytime soon.”
Authorities assured that efforts were underway to restore normal traffic flow. “Our teams are working on the ground. We’re clearing vehicles in a phased manner and ensuring that emergency services are not blocked,” the official added.
