*Snowfall Keeps Srinagar–Jammu Highway Shut for Third Day, Restoration Efforts Underway*
Srinagar, Jan 25, Restoration work continued on Sunday on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway and several other key roads across the Jammu region, which have remained closed for the third consecutive day following heavy snowfall, officials said.
The prolonged closure of the highway led to hundreds of vehicles getting stranded at Jakhani in Udhampur district, while traffic movement towards Srinagar remained suspended due to unsafe road conditions. Officials said limited movement was temporarily allowed for tourists heading towards Patnitop after verification of hotel bookings and identity documents, but onward travel to Srinagar continued to remain blocked.
Road connectivity on the Doda–Kishtwar stretch was also affected, with restoration work underway amid difficult weather conditions. Authorities said multiple road clearance operations have been launched, with heavy machinery deployed across snowbound areas to reopen vital links.
Officials associated with road clearance said the most challenging conditions were being faced in congested localities, particularly in Bhadra area, where temporary single-lane passages have been created to facilitate emergency movement, including ambulances, while full clearance work continues.
Incessant snowfall for the second consecutive night paralyzed normal life in major hill resorts of the Jammu region, including Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar and Batote, as well as Banihal, Gool and surrounding areas. Markets in Batote town of Ramban district remained largely closed for the second day as blocked roads and absence of customers disrupted commercial activity.
Despite road blockages, tourists stranded in the region were seen enjoying the snowfall, with children playing in the snow, particularly in areas where access to Patnitop was restricted due to closures.
However, the snowfall also led to widespread disruption of essential services. Power and water supply, along with surface transport and telecommunications, were affected in several areas. Locals alleged that the administration in Ramban district appeared inadequately prepared for the sudden heavy snowfall, citing insufficient road-clearing machinery and limited manpower from power and water supply departments.
Authorities said restoration work will continue on priority and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel until roads are fully cleared and declared safe.
