Key Highlights
- Status: Partially Open (Only for stranded vehicles).
- Priority: Clearing vehicles stuck between Nashri and Navyug Tunnel.
- Fresh Traffic: SUSPENDED. No new vehicles allowed from Jammu (Nagrota) or Srinagar (Qazigund).
- Other Roads: Mughal Road & SSG Road remain CLOSED.
Banihal/Ramban: The 270-km lifeline connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country has seen its first movement in 72 hours. Following a slight improvement in weather this afternoon, the Traffic Police and NHAI launched a massive clearance operation to rescue the 3,000+ vehicles stuck in the snow-bound sector.
1. The “Rescue First” Strategy
Authorities confirmed that the partial reopening is strictly a rescue mission.
- Stranded Clearance: Vehicles stuck at Dalwas, Mehar, and Ramban are being moved slowly towards their destinations.
- Slippery Conditions: The stretch near the Navyug Tunnel remains extremely slippery due to fresh snowfall this morning in Kulgam. Authorities are using salt and urea to make the road motorable.
2. Why Fresh Traffic is Stopped
If you are planning to start your journey from Jammu or Srinagar today—Don’t.
- The Advisory: The Traffic Police Headquarters has explicitly stated: “No fresh vehicular movement shall be allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) or Qazigund (Kashmir) until all stranded vehicles are cleared.”
- Safety Risk: With fresh snow reported in Shopian and Kulgam today, the risk of shooting stones in the Panthyal sector remains high. Adding new traffic to the mix would cause a gridlock.
3. Status of Other Routes (Jan 25)
- Mughal Road: CLOSED (Heavy snow accumulation at Peer Ki Gali).
- Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road: CLOSED.
- Kishtwar-Sinthan Road: CLOSED.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Unlikely. You must check the official advisory tomorrow morning. The priority is to clear the backlog first. If the weather holds, one-way traffic might be allowed, but confirmation is pending.
A: Mostly Yes. Flight operations at Srinagar Airport are largely functioning. However, 3 flights were cancelled today due to airspace restrictions (NOTAM) at Delhi Airport related to Republic Day preparations, not because of local weather. Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
Jammu TCU: 0191-2459048
Srinagar TCU: 0194-2450022
Ramban TCU: 9419993745
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Source: The Hindu BusinessLine / J&K Traffic Police (Jan 25, 2026).
- Disclaimer: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Do not travel without confirming the status from official Traffic Control Units.
