SEP 01: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inspected another critical stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) at Udhampur, which has emerged as one of the worst-affected areas in the recent spate of rains and landslides. The visit comes as part of his ongoing assessment of road connectivity in the region, following his review at Ramban earlier in the day.
At the site, the Chief Minister was briefed by senior engineers and district officials about the extensive damage caused to the road surface, slopes, and adjoining infrastructure. Large-scale landslides have disrupted vehicular movement, leaving hundreds of trucks and passenger vehicles stranded along the route.
Expressing concern over the plight of stranded drivers and passengers, Omar Abdullah directed the administration to immediately arrange food, drinking water, and other essential facilities until traffic is restored. He instructed officials to establish relief points at key locations along the highway to minimize hardship and ensure proper care for those stuck on the road.
Calling the Udhampur stretch one of the most vulnerable links of the highway, the Chief Minister urged the concerned agencies to expedite the restoration works. He emphasized round-the-clock operations with the deployment of heavy machinery and additional manpower to speed up clearance and repair. He also advised engineers to adopt long-term protective measures to prevent recurring blockades during adverse weather conditions.
Omar Abdullah reiterated that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is the lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir, and keeping it functional is essential for ensuring uninterrupted supply of food, medicines, fuel, and other daily needs to the Valley. He assured that the government is fully committed to overcoming the crisis and will closely monitor progress until normal traffic movement is restored.
The Chief Minister’s visit highlights the government’s proactive efforts to manage road connectivity challenges, provide immediate relief to the affected population, and put in place permanent solutions to strengthen vital infrastructure in the state.
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