Srinagar/Jammu: The blockade is over. For the thousands of passengers and truck drivers stranded in the freezing cold, Thursday brings a major sigh of relief. Traffic on the critical 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been restored today, January 29, 2026, following extensive snow clearance operations. Additionally, air connectivity has normalized at Srinagar International Airport.
Current Traffic Status: OPEN
After being snapped by heavy snowfall and shooting stones yesterday, the lifeline of the Valley is functional again.
- The Operation: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and NHAI worked overnight to clear snow accumulation at the Banihal-Qazigund sector and landslide debris at Dalwas and Mehar (Ramban).
- Movement Plan: Authorities have allowed vehicular movement. However, commuters are advised to drive slowly due to slippery road conditions near the tunnel areas.
- Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs): Stranded trucks are being prioritized to ensure essential supplies (petrol, vegetables) reach the Valley.
Flight Operations: Back on Schedule
The chaotic scenes at Srinagar Airport are resolving.
- Visibility: With the weather improving and the sun coming out, visibility has crossed the required threshold.
- Schedule: All morning flights are operating as per schedule today. The backlog of stranded passengers from yesterday is being cleared.
Why This Matters To You
- Supply Chain: The restoration means fresh vegetables, petrol, and mutton supplies—which were running low in the Valley—will be replenished by evening.
- Tourist Exit: Tourists stuck in Srinagar hotels can now proceed towards Jammu or catch their return flights.
Key Highlights
| Sector | Status | Notes |
| ✅ Highway (NH-44) | RESTORED | Drive with caution; slippery at Banihal. |
| ✈️ Flights | OPERATIONAL | Check real-time status with airlines. |
| ☀️ Weather | Dry & Clear | Predicted dry spell Jan 29–31. |
| ⛔ Mughal Road | CLOSED | Heavy snow at Pir Ki Gali. |
| 💡 Action | CAUTION | Overtaking strictly prohibited in Ramban. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Post-blockade traffic is often regulated one-way to clear strandings first. You must confirm the direction and cut-off time before leaving.
Srinagar TCU: 0194-2450022
Jammu TCU: 0191-2459048 / 94191-47732 (Mobile)
Ramban Helpline: 94199-93745 (Crucial for Landslide Updates)
A: No. The Mughal Road (Shopian-Bafliaz) and the Srinagar-Leh Highway remain CLOSED due to heavy snow accumulation.
A: No. The MeT department has predicted generally dry weather from today (Jan 29) until the end of the month, which is good news for travellers.
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