Fresh Snowfall Forces Closure Of NH; 8000 Vehicles Stranded

While fresh snowfall in Kashmir and higher reaches of Jammu region this evening forced closure of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and cancellation of several flights to and fro Srinagar Airport, one person was killed and eight others were injured when a Tempo carrying them from Srinagar to Jammu was hit by shooting stones. As predicted by the weathermen, Kashmir valley and higher reaches of Jammu region including Chenab valley areas received fresh snowfall today ahead of Chillai-Kalan which begins tomorrow whereas plain areas of Jammu received moderate rainfall, leading to drop in temperatures across the Union Territory of J&K. The snowfall led to slippery road conditions near the Jawahar Tunnel area forcing authorities to close the NH-44 for traffic this evening.

An official said that around 1000 vehicles crossed Jawahar tunnel towards Srinagar before the NH-44 was closed for traffic due to snowfall near the Tunnel. He added that around 3 inches of snow had accumulated at the Jawahar Tunnel. Click here to watch video The official said that around 1000 vehicles were stranded between Udhampur and Jawahar Tunnel due to closure of the highway while 7000 trucks were stranded in Qazigund area. “Traffic was stopped at 5.30 pm on the highway after snowfall near Jawahar Tunnel. There was 3 to 6 inches of snow near Jawahar tunnel this evening and nearly 1,000 vehicles have been stranded between the Tunnel and the Ramban sector, the official said, adding, vehicles were moving at a snail’s pace due to slippery roads in the area, leading to a massive traffic jam on a 20-km stretch on the highway.

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