The report from the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police department highlights the challenges faced on the vital Jammu-Srinagar national highway due to shooting stones triggered by rainfall. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
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- Rainfall Impact and Traffic Halt:
- Rainfall in the Kishtwari Pather area led to shooting stones, halting traffic on the crucial Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
- This 270-kilometer stretch serves as a primary artery connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country, making it vital for transportation and commerce.
- Efforts to Restore Traffic Flow:
- Swift action by authorities in response to earlier blockages in the Banihal area helped restore traffic flow.
- However, continuous shooting stones at Kishtwari Pather later in the day resulted in a complete halt in traffic, leaving scores of passengers stranded along the route.
- Mitigation Efforts:
- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) deployed personnel and machinery to clear the highway and mitigate the situation promptly.
- Despite persistent rainfall, authorities mobilized resources to expedite debris clearance and restore operability to the road.
- Safety Advisories:
- Authorities issued advisories urging people to refrain from traveling along the highway until conditions improve and the road is cleared.
- Traffic Control Units (TCU) provided contact numbers for the latest updates and assistance for commuters in Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, and Udhampur.
- Caution for Commuters:
- Commuters are advised to exercise caution and patience until the highway is deemed safe for travel again.
The situation underscores the challenges posed by natural factors like rainfall and shooting stones on crucial transportation routes in the region. Efforts by authorities to address these challenges and restore normalcy are ongoing, with a focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of commuters.