The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a crucial artery connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, is undergoing a critical restoration process in response to the persistent challenges faced by commuters.
In an effort to expedite this restoration work and address ongoing infrastructural issues, the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, recently conducted a detailed on-site inspection in the Ramban district, one of the most vulnerable regions along this highway. The visit focused on assessing the damage caused by recent weather events, including landslides and flash floods, that have disrupted traffic on this key route. The Jammu-Srinagar Highway, particularly in the Ramban area, has long been plagued by these issues, leading to frequent traffic blockages and delays. Dulloo, accompanied by senior officials from the district and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), inspected critical locations such as Marog, Sita Ram Passi, Seri, Mehar, and Dalwas, which have seen significant damage.
A sense of urgency permeated the review, with the Chief Secretary stressing the need to accelerate restoration efforts. The highway, which is often the lifeline for transporting goods and services to and from the Kashmir Valley, is vital for the region’s economy and connectivity. Dulloo instructed the NHAI and other executing agencies to speed up the repair work, ensuring that vehicles, especially passenger cars and trucks carrying perishable goods, can resume travel without further delay. The timing of the restoration is critical. The onset of the monsoon season has exacerbated the risk of landslides and road erosion, making it imperative to create durable solutions. The Chief Secretary’s directive called for not only timely but also quality restoration work that would safeguard the highway against future disruptions. Furthermore, a focus was placed on the Four-Laning Project of NH-44, which is a key initiative in enhancing the capacity and safety of this important route.
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted during the inspection was the increasing difficulty of managing traffic in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. With frequent cloudbursts and flash floods threatening the stability of roadways, ensuring that transportation across the Jammu-Srinagar corridor remains uninterrupted is of paramount importance. Moreover, Dulloo underlined the need for coordinated efforts between district administrations, traffic authorities, and the NHAI. He called on the district administration to provide full support to stranded commuters, ensuring that necessary relief measures are in place. As the situation develops, officials are working to strike a balance between swift action and ensuring the long-term resilience of the highway infrastructure.
The Chief Secretary’s visit comes at a time when the region is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including erratic weather patterns and rising incidences of floods and landslides. The restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar NH is not just an infrastructural project, but also a critical piece of the puzzle in ensuring sustainable, safe, and accessible transport for millions of people. Looking ahead, the importance of effective climate-responsive infrastructure development is clear. As Jammu and Kashmir continues to grapple with such natural calamities, the need for resilient and adaptive road systems is greater than ever. The current efforts at restoration, backed by a dedicated team of officials and experts, are a step toward ensuring that the vital connection between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley remains strong in the face of future challenges.
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