JAMMU: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained closed to traffic on Saturday morning as restoration work continued along the Ladha-Samroli stretch in Udhampur district following heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions.
According to the Traffic Police’s 4 a.m. update, the road surface in the affected area has become highly slushy, muddy and extremely slippery, making it unsafe for vehicular movement. Personnel of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), assisted by Traffic Police teams and heavy machinery, are engaged in restoring the damaged stretch.
Authorities have advised commuters to avoid travelling on NH-44 until the highway is fully restored and declared safe for traffic.
With the highway remaining closed, no civilian traffic or Shri Amarnath Yatra convoy was permitted to move on the strategic route on Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall continued across Ramban and Udhampur districts, including the Chenani-Nashri tunnel area, affecting restoration efforts and delaying the reopening of the highway.
In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the Ramban district administration ordered the closure of all government and private schools for the day. The Chief Education Officer directed educational institutions to conduct online classes to ensure that academic activities continue without disruption.
The District Administration in Doda also announced the closure of all government and private schools on Saturday due to inclement weather. The Chief Education Officer said online classes would continue as per the scheduled timetable.
