Banihal, Jul 19: Heavy overnight rainfall triggered fresh mudslides and shooting stones at multiple locations along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), disrupting traffic movement in the Nashri-Chenani sector on Sunday, officials said.
According to traffic officials, mudslides and shooting stones were reported at several locations inside the uptube between Jakhani and Chenani in Udhampur district. The affected stretches were promptly cleared by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), allowing traffic to resume.
However, the recently reclaimed down tube near Dewal in Udhampur district sustained fresh damage due to the incessant rainfall, forcing the authorities to divert both Jammu-bound and Srinagar-bound traffic through the uptube.
In another incident, a massive mudslide triggered by continuous rain blocked a portion of the uptube near the Nashri roundabout in Ramban district, prompting the traffic authorities to temporarily divert vehicles through the down tube until the debris is cleared.
Officials said NHAI has pressed men and machinery into service to restore the affected stretches at the earliest. Motorists have been advised to drive cautiously and adhere to traffic advisories, as the continuing rainfall has increased the risk of further mudslides and shooting stones along the highway.
