As a stretch of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Udhampur caved in a fresh development, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said it may take 20-25 days for complete restoration work,contending at the same time there are alternate roads available for now which can be used for vehicular movement.
While having visit of the affected place, Omar said the major worry which has emerged now is not the traditional stretch of Ramban in context of vulnerability of weather but the Udhampur stretch which is getting prone to landslides resulting in disruption for a longer time. He however, assured both his government in Srinagar as well as the district administration are working in tandem on war footing to get the things on track including National Highway on which the help is also being sought from NHAI.
A stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, measuring about 50–60 metres, has caved in, blocking the down tube near Tharad Bridge in Udhampur as rains continue to lash the area. Officials have advised commuters to avoid travel until restoration is completed, and clearance is given by the Traffic Control Unit (TCU).According to SSP Traffic, Udhampur, “The sinking uphill stretch, measuring about 50–60 metres and located adjacent to Tharad Bridge, has blocked the down tube as well. Upside-down vegetation is visible in this continuously sinking patch between Tharad Bridge and Balli Nallah.”
He said the entire stretch is caving in continuously amid rains, and the site of the new ramp is also coming under this sinking zone, which has now blocked both tubes.The general public and commuters have been advised to avoid travel on NH-44 until restoration is completed and clearance is given by the Traffic Control Unit (TCU).
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, also warned commuters against using NH44 after the incident.In a post on X, he wrote, “The entire stretch at Tharad is caving in continuously amid rains. The site of the new ramp has come under the sinking zone, blocking both tubes. Commuters are strictly advised to avoid travel on NH44 until restoration is completed and clearance is granted by TCU.”
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