Introduction
Anantnag/Qazigund: A ground report filed on Tuesday (Jan 27) confirms that the Kashmir Valley has been effectively cut off from the rest of the country. Visuals from the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) show a complete standstill, with authorities stopping all traffic movement due to dangerous snow accumulation at the Banihal (Navyug) Tunnel.
Ground Report: “Beelines of Stranded Trucks”
Reporting from near Qazigund, the video highlights the severity of the blockade:
- The Scene: Miles of trucks, primarily carrying Kashmiri apples and fruits destined for Delhi, are lined up on the roadside.
- The Risk: Truckers are expressing anxiety about their perishable cargo and the lack of basic facilities (food/washrooms) at the halting points as the wait prolongs.
- Road Condition: The road surface has turned treacherous and slippery, making it impossible for heavy vehicles to cross the incline near the tunnel.
Official Advisory: “Don’t Leave Your Homes”
A Senior Traffic Officer interviewed on the spot provided a critical update:
- Snow Depth: There is currently 6 to 7 inches of fresh snow accumulated at the Navyug Tunnel and it is still snowing heavily.
- Clearance Status: Snow clearing operations are being “trampled” and hampered by the continuous snowfall (Video at 02:50).
- The Order: All vehicular movement has been stopped at Qazigund (Kashmir side) and Udhampur/Ramban (Jammu side).
- Timeline: The officer stated, “We have to wait and watch until evening.” If the snow stops, clearance might allow traffic by tomorrow (Jan 28), but for today, the highway is CLOSED.
Aviation Hit
The reporter also noted that alongside the highway closure, air connectivity has been snapped. The video report cited “about 25 flights” cancelled at the time of filming, while subsequent updates have confirmed the total number of cancellations has reached 58 due to poor visibility.
Key Highlights: Message to Tourists
- Stay Put: The official message to tourists and locals is clear: “Stay back in Srinagar, stay safe, and enjoy the snowfall.”
- Don’t Risk It: Do not attempt to drive towards the tunnel as you will be stopped and turned back, potentially getting stuck in a gridlock.
FAQ Section
A: No. All movement is barred. Only vehicles going to nearby local villages are allowed to pass the Qazigund checkpoint.
A: Authorities are hoping to clear the snow by this evening if the weather improves, targeting a reopening for tomorrow (Jan 28).
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