SRINAGAR : The 300-km-long Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained closed for the second day today due to heavy snowfall and landslides.
The highway was closed due to heavy snowfall for the past 24 hours, official sources said, adding that there was two to three feet of snow accumulated at different places on the highway, particularly at Jawahat tunnel, Banihal and Patnitop. They said heavy rains triggered landslides and shooting stones in Rambu and Ramban area. Due to heavy snowfall there is a threat of avalanche in Jawahar tunnel and Banihal area. However, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) responsible for the maintainance of the highway has pressed into service sophisticated machines and men to clear the snow and landslides on the road.
The BRO cleared the accumulated snow a number of times on the highway, but continued snowfall during yesterday delayed early reopening of the road, connecting the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country.
There is a possibility of opening the road later today, they said, adding that it has been decided to allow only stranded vehicles to move towards their respective destinations. However, every precaution will be taken before allowing stranded vehicles as there is a threat of avalanches and shooting stones on the highway, they said adding efforts are going on to clear avalanche at Zidmorh, triggered by snowfall. No fresh vehicle will be allowed from Jammu or Srinagar till a green signal is received from BRO and traffic police officials posted at different points on the highway. (AGENCIES)
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