Landslide hit Jammu-Srinagar National Highway opened for one-way traffic; special train arranged

Vehicles stuck in debris after landslides and flash flood following a cloudburst in Ramban district on April 22, 2025. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

The landslide-hit Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was reopened for one-way traffic on Wednesday (April 23, 2025) after remaining closed for the last three days, while a special train has been launched from Katra to New Delhi to assist the stranded passengers to reach their destination, an official spokesperson said.

Pahalgam terror attack updates on April 23, 2025

The highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, was blocked due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy rains and cloudbursts early on Sunday (April 20).

“The [Jammu-Srinagar] national highway at Ramban is made functional on a one-way basis,” the spokesperson said, also announcing the launch of a special train service from SMVD Katra station to New Delhi to assist the stranded passengers and accommodate the “extra rush”.

“The administration remains committed to the well-being of all tourists and urges everyone to cooperate and follow the necessary guidelines,” he said.

In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, thousands of tourists have begun leaving Kashmir, with authorities making all efforts for the safe return of the visitors to their respective home states.

In a post on X earlier in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “It’s heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterday’s tragic terror attack in Pahalgam but at the same time we totally understand why people would want to leave. While DGCA & the Ministry of Civil Aviation are working to organise extra flights, NH-44 between Srinagar & Jammu has been reconnected for traffic in a single direction.”