Srinagar, Jan 23 (KNO): Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday witnessed fresh snowfall, leading to widespread disruption in road, rail, and air connectivity across the Valley.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) authorities shut major roads as a precautionary measure, while train services were suspended and all flight operations at Srinagar Airport were cancelled amid adverse weather conditions.
An official said that the fresh spell of snowfall resulted in the closure of key highways and routes connecting the Valley with other regions. “The Sinthan–Kishtwar road, Mughal Road, and the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri axis road were closed to traffic to prevent any untoward incidents. Several interior roads in hilly areas also became slippery, affecting vehicular movement,” he added.
A traffic official said that around 35 heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) remain stranded on the highway, while no light motor vehicles (LMVs) are stranded on the Qazigund side as they have returned.
In an advisory, traffic police said that in view of the prevailing weather advisory and predictions of heavy rain and snowfall across the Valley, movement along hilly roads will be allowed strictly as per the prescribed cut-off timings and traffic advisories. Owing to snow accumulation along NH-44 and other hilly routes, commuters and tourists travelling towards Jammu, Qazigund, Gulmarg, Ladakh, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gurez, Karnah, and Machil have been advised to confirm road status and travel timings from Traffic Police before commencing their journey.
The advisory said that motorists must ensure proper anti-skid equipment is fitted in their vehicles, as no vehicle without anti-skid mechanisms will be allowed on hilly roads, including Tangmarg–Gulmarg, Kangan–Sonamarg, Sinthan–Kishtwar, Pahalgam road, Mughal Road, Kupwara border roads, and the Gurez–Bandipora road, if these routes remain open. It added that only registered anti-skid chain vendors will be permitted to fix chains at designated locations to avoid undue rush and traffic congestion.
JAMMU-SRINAGAR HIGHWAY TO REMAIN SHUT Tomorrow
In an another advisory, the Traffic Department said, “No vehicular movement shall be allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) towards Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Ramban, Banihal, Srinagar, and vice versa. Commuters belonging to Katra, Reasi, and Udhampur towns are requested to keep their photo ID cards to prove their identification so that their movement can be facilitated smoothly.”
It said that Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will remain closed on Saturday for the vehicular movement.
LOCAL TRAIN SERVICES SUSPENDED, VANDE BHARAT TRAIN FROM KATRA TO SRINAGAR KEEPS ON MOVING
Meanwhile, train services on the Banihal–Budgam rail section were suspended due to snowfall.
An official told KNO that heavy snowfall at multiple locations along the railway track forced authorities to halt train operations for the day. He said that the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar continued to operate through snow as the region received a fresh spell of snowfall. He said that the Railways managed to run three trains despite adverse weather conditions. However, the majority of rail traffic remained suspended throughout the day due to snowfall. “The Baramulla section was completely suspended. One train from Budgam departed for Sangaldan, while two trains were operated towards Banihal,” the official added.
SRINAGAR AIRPORT SUSPENDS OPERATIONS
Air traffic was also severely affected due to the prevailing weather conditions. Officials said that snowfall and poor visibility disrupted flight operations at Srinagar Airport, while Jammu Airport witnessed diversions and delays. “Earlier, more than 26 flights were cancelled at Srinagar Airport, and some flights were diverted to Jammu. After assessing the situation, authorities decided to suspend all air traffic at Srinagar in the interest of passenger safety, while operations at Jammu Airport continued,” an official said.
He said that passenger safety remained the top priority while taking the decision to suspend flight operations.
In a post on X Srinagar Airport said that all flight operations had been cancelled due to continuous snowfall and accumulation of snow on operational areas. “In view of continuous snowfall, accumulation of snow on operational areas, and the prevailing forecast of adverse weather en route, all flight operations at Srinagar Airport stand cancelled for the day in the interest of passenger safety. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updates and re-accommodation. We regret the inconvenience caused,” the airport authorities said—(KNO)