It’s been two days now that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains closed. This crucial road, the main link between Kashmir and the rest of India, is blocked because of severe landslides in the Ramban area, triggered by sudden flash floods that washed away parts of the road.
According to Parshutam Kumar, the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), it could take another five to six days to fully reopen the highway. He explained to Greater Kashmir that they are working to clear huge amounts of debris from over a dozen spots in the Ramban district.
Kumar also mentioned that some of the NHAI’s machinery got buried under the mud and debris between Ramban and Maroog. However, he assured that new arrangements have been made to continue the work. He advised travelers to keep an eye on traffic updates before planning any travel on the highway.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Baseer ul Haq Choudhury, along with SSP Ramban Kulbir Singh and SSP Traffic NH Raja Adil Hamid, inspected the affected areas to oversee the restoration work.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is also expected to visit Ramban today. Sadly, three people lost their lives and hundreds were injured in the region due to the heavy rains and flash floods.
