Jammu: Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH 44) is still closed. Because, the debris of the landslide in Tharar has not been removed yet, due to which people are forced to travel through the mud. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is making every effort to clear the debris.
The machines are working continuously, yet 200 meters of the portion has not been cleared. Due to the closure of NH 44 for the last two weeks, life has come to a standstill. There is no traffic movement between Jammu and Srinagar and between the three districts of Chenab Valley.
On September 2, a major landslide from the hill caused heavy damage to about 200 meters of NH-44 at kilometer number 71 in Tharar, after which NH 44 was completely blocked. The Jammu-Srinagar NH 44 is the lifeline of the Kashmir Valley and has been closed most of the time since heavy rains since August 26.
NHAI officials told ETV Bharat that they are working to restore the highway, but it is taking time due to landslides. The Udhampur-based traffic police control room said that it may take one more day to restore traffic in the affected area.
Meanwhile, to help the passengers, the government has stationed Road Transport Corporation buses in Jakheni area of Udhampur, from where people are being taken to Tharar. Who cross the affected area on foot through the mud and reach their destination by boarding vehicles on the other side.
Patients referred to GMC Jammu from various parts of Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts are also shifted to Tharar, which is becoming quite troublesome for them.
