Jammu, Aug 31:
Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting to assess the damages caused by recent incessant rains to Jammu-Srinagar NH-44 and other major roads across the Union Territory. The prolonged rainfall triggered landslides, soil erosion, and severe disruptions in connectivity, particularly affecting the lifeline corridor between Jammu and Srinagar.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed authorities to prioritize swift restoration of NH-44 and ensure smooth traffic movement at the earliest possible time. Stressing the importance of uninterrupted road connectivity, he said special attention must be given to maintaining the continuous supply of essential commodities, medicines, and fuel to the Valley as well as to remote districts in the hilly belt.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Traffic Police, Disaster Management, and district administrations. Officers presented ground reports highlighting the scale of damages caused by landslides and flooding along vulnerable stretches.
The Chief Minister emphasized close coordination among departments, directing them to share real-time updates on road conditions, traffic diversions, and restoration progress. He said citizens must not face hardships due to delays in communication, and a robust response mechanism should be in place to address emergencies, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Highlighting the strategic importance of NH-44, the Chief Minister noted that the highway is not only a crucial lifeline for the Kashmir Valley but also vital for trade, tourism, and movement of security forces. He urged agencies to deploy additional manpower, modern equipment, and adequate resources to accelerate restoration works, particularly at landslide-prone stretches in Ramban and Banihal sectors.
The Chief Minister further directed that alternate road links such as Mughal Road and other connecting highways must also be assessed and upgraded as a contingency to prevent supply chain disruptions in case of prolonged closures. He instructed the traffic department to regulate movement in a manner that avoids bottlenecks and provides safe passage to travelers.
The meeting also discussed the need to adopt long-term mitigation strategies to address recurring disruptions caused by extreme weather. The Chief Minister asked technical experts to prepare a comprehensive plan involving slope stabilization, improved drainage systems, and use of advanced technology to strengthen vulnerable road sections.
Assuring the public, the Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to minimize inconvenience and ensure the safety of commuters. He said regular progress reviews will be conducted to monitor the pace of restoration, and strict accountability will be fixed in case of lapses.
The directives issued during the meeting underline the administration’s determination to keep Jammu-Srinagar NH-44 functional as the backbone of regional connectivity and to strengthen infrastructure resilience against future climatic challenges.
