Kashmir highway reopens for traffic

 

SRINAGAR:  Traffic was restored today on the 300-km-long Srinagar-Jammu national highway, connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of the country, after remaining suspended since last evening due to landslides.

     However, the historic Mughal road and highway linking Ladakh region with Kashmir, were through for traffic, a traffic police official said.

   Security forces vehicles were also allowed to ply on the highway after remaining off the highway yesterday as a precautionary measure.     He said the Srinagar-Jammu national highway was closed last evening following fresh landslides at several places, including at Rattanbas Banihal.

   However, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), responsible for the maintenance of the highway immediately pressed into service sophisticated machines and men to clear the landslides and resume traffic.

    The road clearance operation continued for most part of the night and this morning, he said, adding that traffic was restored at 1000 hrs.

    He said light vehicles will ply from both sides while heavy vehicle from Srinagar to Jammu today.

    Heavy vehicles are being allowed to ply on alternate days as the highway is still under repair at several places and road widening work is also going on.

    The historic Mughal road, connecting Shopian in south Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu region, was through for both way traffic.  (AGENCIES)