Massive traffic buildup continues at Sarmoli stretch of Jammu-Srinagar Highway. (Img: Dynamite News)
Jammu: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been reopened after restoration work following a landslide, but traffic movement continues to remain severely affected at the Sarmoli stretch.
The clearance of the damaged section brought relief to stranded commuters, but a massive backlog of vehicles has created fresh congestion, causing slow movement and long waiting times on one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most important road links.
The situation has become a major concern for passengers, transporters and local commuters who depend on NH-44 for daily travel and essential supplies.
The affected portion of NH-44 at Sarmoli was cleared after restoration teams completed repair and removal work following the landslide disruption.
However, normal traffic flow has not yet resumed as hundreds of vehicles accumulated during the period when movement was restricted.
As vehicles started moving after reopening of the highway, the sudden rush created heavy congestion on the stretch.
Traffic officials are currently regulating vehicle movement to reduce the pressure and clear the accumulated queue.
## Landslide disruption created major vehicle backlog
The traffic jam at Sarmoli is mainly linked to the temporary disruption caused by the landslide.
During the closure period, vehicles travelling between Jammu and Srinagar remained halted, resulting in a long queue on the highway.
Although the road has been restored, clearing the stranded vehicles is taking time due to the narrow terrain and heavy movement of passenger and commercial vehicles.
The incident once again highlights the challenges faced on the highway due to its mountainous location and vulnerability to landslides and weather-related disruptions.
## NH-44 remains Kashmir’s vital connectivity lifeline
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is the primary surface connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
The highway handles the movement of thousands of vehicles, including passenger buses, private cars, trucks carrying essential commodities and commercial transport vehicles.
Any disruption on this route can impact travel plans, supply chains and the movement of essential goods across Jammu and Kashmir.
Due to the region’s challenging geography, landslides, snowfall and heavy rainfall often affect traffic movement on the highway.
## Traffic authorities issue advisory for motorists
Traffic and road authorities have advised commuters travelling on NH-44 to remain patient and follow instructions issued by officials deployed on the route.
Drivers have been advised to avoid unnecessary overtaking, sudden stoppages and lane violations, as such actions can further slow down traffic clearance.
Authorities are closely monitoring the Sarmoli stretch and taking measures to ensure smoother movement of vehicles.
## Commuters wait for normal traffic flow
For passengers travelling between Jammu and Srinagar, the reopening of the highway has provided partial relief, but delays continue due to congestion.
Transport operators and commuters are waiting for the traffic situation to stabilise as authorities work towards clearing the remaining vehicle backlog.
Further updates on road conditions and traffic movement are expected as the clearance operation continues.
