Rajouri, Sept 15: In the wake of severe disruptions to Jammu and Kashmir’s primary transport link which is Jammu Srinagar National Highway, the historic Mughal Road has emerged as the valley’s only lifeline, ensuring the continued flow of essential supplies to millions of residents.
The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, the region’s main arterial route, remained completely closed for nearly ten days after a major portion of the road at Tharad in Udhampur district sank during recent heavy rainfall.
The shutdown severed vital connections between Jammu, the Chenab valley, and Kashmir. Though partially restored over the past four days, the highway is currently open only for regulated, single-lane movement of light motor vehicles, leaving heavy traffic largely stranded.
The crisis deepened further with the closure of the Jammu–Srinagar railway line, forcing transporters to turn to the Mughal Road, an alternative 90-kilometre route linking Shopian in south Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch districts in Jammu.
Despite its challenges, single-direction heavy vehicle movement on alternate days and frequent congestion on its mountainous stretches, the Mughal Road has become a critical supply corridor for Kashmir valley.
Thousands of trucks loaded with food grains, vegetables, fuel, and other essentials now traverse this route daily, offering a much-needed breather to the Kashmir valley.
Local officials and drivers acknowledge the strain on the Mughal Road but credit it for preventing a full-blown supply crisis.
As heavy vehicle convoys crawl through the Pir Ki Gali pass, the route stands as a symbol of resilience and a stark reminder of the region’s dependence on fragile mountain highways.
Rajesh Gupta, also known as Bittu Shah and President of Beopar Mandal Rajouri, said that Mughal Road has not only boosted the economy of the Pir Panjal region but has now become the lifeline for the Kashmir valley.
“One can confidently say that Mughal Road is currently the only dependable road connectivity for the valley,” he remarked.
“An all-weather Mughal Road, with a tunnel along the stretch that remains closed due to heavy snowfall in winters, can be the best long-term solution to ensure year-round connectivity to Kashmir,” Gupta further suggested, emphasising the urgency of developing a more reliable infrastructure.
Similarly, PDP spokesperson Tazeem Dar highlighted the historical and political importance of the route, recalling, “Mughal Road was a dream project, and the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed did a lot to make this road a reality, but today it has been left to God’s mercy.”
Dar added that the current crisis has underscored the significance of this alternate link.
“The importance of Mughal Road has become clear now, when this lesser-prioritised road has turned into the valley’s only lifeline, while the heavily emphasised Jammu–Srinagar National Highway has failed under pressure,” he said.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Traffic, Jammu Rural, Girdhari Lal Sharma on being contacted said that best possible efforts are being made to ensure hassle free movement of vehicles on Mughal Road.
” Diversion of Kashmir bound traffic from Mughal Road has caused some congestion not only Mughal Road but also on Jammu Rajouri Poonch National Highway connecting Mughal Road with Jammu but our men are working around the clock to regulate traffic as per requirement and our men work even in night.” SP Sharma said.
He said that best possible efforts are being made to ensure a safe passage to trucks carrying essentials.
