In Jammu and Kashmir, the 270 km-long strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44), the lifeline of Kashmir Valley, is likely to reopen for light motor vehicles today after remaining closed for nine consecutive days.
National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) said that the movement of heavy motor vehicles will depend upon the situation thereafter as the safety of commuters remains the top priority.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has remained shut for traffic since August 26 due to torrential rains, flash floods, and multiple landslides.
A 250-metre-long stretch in Udhampur suffered massive damage, disrupting the only all-weather road link between the Valley and the rest of the country.
Although the road was briefly thrown open on August 30, persistent landslides forced its closure again.
In total, the crucial highway has been blocked for 15 days, severely impacting supplies of essential commodities, passenger movement, and trade activities.
Authorities said full restoration may still take some time, but efforts are being made to first allow passenger and light goods traffic in a regulated manner, before permitting heavy vehicles.
