Srinagar/Jammu: The aftermath of Friday’s massive snowstorm continues to paralyze connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir. As of Saturday (Jan 24), the 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains closed for the second consecutive day, severing the only all-weather link between the Valley and the rest of India. While commuters struggle, the famous ski resort of Gulmarg has been buried under nearly 2 feet of fresh snow, transforming it into a winter wonderland.
Highway Crisis: Slippery Slopes at Banihal
Traffic authorities have confirmed that vehicular movement is impossible due to extreme slippery conditions and snow accumulation at critical bottlenecks:
- The Choke Points: Banihal, Ramsoo, and the Navyug Tunnel area remain dangerously slippery with icy patches.
- Stranded: Scores of trucks and passenger vehicles are halted at safe zones like Anantnag (Qazigund) and Udhampur.
- Other Routes: The Mughal Road, Sinthan Top, and Srinagar-Sonamarg (SSG) road remain completely shut.
Gulmarg Buried, Doda Freezes
While the highway closure causes chaos, the snowfall figures in higher reaches are staggering:
- Gulmarg: The resort recorded over 1.5 feet of fresh snow. While the views are picturesque, the Tangmarg-Gulmarg road witnessed heavy skidding, prompting J&K Police to launch rescue operations for stranded tourists.
- Bhalesa (Doda): The impact is severest here, with higher reaches recording nearly 3 feet of snow. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has advised residents to stay indoors as temperatures plummet below zero.
- Incidents: In Srinagar’s Dalgate, firefighting teams battled a blaze at a guest house amidst the freezing cold on Saturday morning; one civilian was reported injured.
Key Highlights: Flights & Forecast
- Relief Insight: The MeT Department has forecast dry weather for the next 48 hours, which should aid the Border Roads Organization (BRO) in clearance operations.
- Flight Ops Resume: Unlike Friday’s total washout, flight operations at Srinagar Airport resumed on Saturday morning. However, airlines (including IndiGo) faced backlog issues, leading to over 6 cancellations and delays.
- Next Spell: A fresh spell of precipitation is anticipated around January 26–27 (Republic Day).
FAQ Section
A: With a dry weather forecast, chances of clearance are high, but it depends on the road surface at Banihal. Always check the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) update before travelling.
A: Gulmarg has received nearly 2 feet of fresh snow at the resort level, with higher accumulations at the Apharwat peak. Road access from Tangmarg requires chains and caution.
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Reported by: Gowhar Nabi
- Edited by: Senior Desk
- Source Transparency: “Highway status, airport updates, and snowfall figures sourced from Hindustan Times, Kashmir Observer, and J&K Traffic Police reports (Jan 24).”
- Community Question: “Are you planning a trip to Gulmarg to see the snow, or are you waiting for the roads to clear? Tell us below.”
- Accountability Footer: “Found an error? Email kittonews@gmail.com.”
