The ongoing winter conditions have caused major disruptions in Jammu & Kashmir’s roadways. Mughal Road, an important alternative route between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu, has been closed for the third consecutive day due to heavy snowfall at Peer Ki Gali. Meanwhile, Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains open but is experiencing slow traffic movement due to single-lane stretches and breakdowns of heavy vehicles.
Key Highlights:
- Mughal Road: Closed due to fresh snowfall and dangerous road conditions at Peer Ki Gali.
- NH-44 (Jammu-Srinagar): Open for both LMVs and HMVs, but traffic is slow at Dalwas, Mehar, and Gangroo due to narrow stretches and breakdowns.
- Srinagar-Leh (SSG Road): Traffic permitted from Minamarg to Srinagar between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, subject to fair weather and anti-skid chains for vehicles.
- Kishtwar-Sinthan Top: Closed for all traffic due to snow.
- Advisory: Authorities have advised against night travel on NH-44 due to shooting stones and icy road conditions.
Main News Report:
Mughal Road & Sinthan Top Remain Closed
Mughal Road, connecting Shopian to Poonch, has been closed for three consecutive days due to heavy snowfall and the difficult task of snow clearance by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). At Peer Ki Gali, fresh snow accumulation continues to block the road. This critical link is now shut from both ends, Bafliaz (Poonch) and Shopian.
Similarly, Kishtwar-Sinthan Top road remains completely closed due to heavy snow accumulation, cutting off the direct Kishtwar-Anantnag link.
NH-44: Open but Slow
Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains open, but traffic is slow due to the presence of single-lane stretches and vehicle breakdowns. The Traffic Control Unit (TCU) has confirmed that heavy vehicles have caused delays in several areas, particularly near Banihal and Ramban stretches. The narrow lanes and poor road conditions at Dalwas, Mehar-Cafeteria, and Nachlana are adding to the traffic woes.
Authorities have advised against night travel on NH-44 due to the threat of falling debris, icy patches, and shooting stones in the Ramban sector. The police have urged travelers to avoid traveling after dark.
Srinagar-Leh (SSG Road) Update
The Srinagar-Leh highway (SSG Road) is currently operational, but traffic is strictly regulated. As of today, traffic is allowed from Minamarg to Srinagar between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Vehicles traveling on this route are required to have anti-skid chains due to the presence of icy patches near Gumri.
Official Statements:
“Mughal Road remains closed due to fresh snow accumulation. Restoration work is underway. Please avoid using the road until further notice.”
— District Administration, Shopian
“The Jammu-Srinagar highway is open, but traffic is slow due to single-lane stretches and breakdowns. It is highly recommended to travel during daylight hours.”
— J&K Traffic Police Headquarters
FAQs:
A: No, Mughal Road remains closed due to snow accumulation at Peer Ki Gali. Snow clearance is in progress.
A: Yes, NH-44 is open for both LMVs and heavy vehicles, but traffic is slow due to single-lane stretches in Ramban.
A: You can contact TCU Jammu (0191-2459048), TCU Ramban (9419993745), or TCU Srinagar (0194-2450022) for real-time updates.
Transparency Note:
This article was compiled using the latest advisories from J&K Traffic Police and BRO updates as of January 7, 2026.
