Heavy overnight rainfall in Jammu’s Rajouri and Reasi districts led to multiple landslides, blocking vital roads and severing access to key sub-divisions on Saturday. Among the hardest-hit routes were the Rajouri–Kandi–Budhal road and the Reasi–Arnas–Mahore stretch, both crucial for civilian and military traffic. Emergency teams were rushed in by road construction authorities to restore movement. The landslides have once again underscored the vulnerability of hill infrastructure to seasonal monsoon disruptions.
The Rajouri–Kandi–Budhal road, a lifeline connecting Rajouri district headquarters to the remote Kotranka sub-division, was among the routes blocked after rain-triggered landslides swept through hill sections. In neighbouring Reasi, the Reasi–Arnas–Mahore stretch was similarly cut off, isolating multiple villages and hampering logistics, particularly in the Mahore sub-division. Both roads are critical not only for civilian mobility but also for transporting essential supplies and security forces. The sudden accumulation of debris and shooting stones made both travel and restoration highly challenging in the morning hours. Authorities immediately deployed personnel to assess the damage and initiate clearance. A senior infrastructure official said the scale of the landslides was not unexpected given the terrain’s vulnerability during intense rainfall. While the debris removal was initiated early, the geographical isolation of certain sections meant that some areas remained inaccessible for several hours. Emergency protocols were activated to ensure that relief and connectivity were restored on priority.
Responding swiftly to the situation, the 110 Road Construction Company of the 31 Border Roads Task Force undertook emergency clearance operations at multiple points. Restoration efforts began shortly after dawn, and partial access was reportedly resumed within a few hours. However, local sources indicated that some stretches remain at risk due to unstable soil and continued minor rainfall. Experts have long cautioned about the need for pre-monsoon slope stabilisation in Jammu’s hilly belts, especially on roads that serve border districts and strategic outposts. With the monsoon intensifying, such weather-induced disruptions are likely to persist, unless infrastructure is bolstered with better drainage systems and slope-retaining technologies. Inhabitants in the affected areas expressed concern over recurrent closures during rains and appealed for long-term road safety measures. Officials confirmed that monitoring is ongoing and advised caution in using hill routes, especially in areas prone to shooting stones and flash landslides.
Saturday’s road closures in Rajouri and Reasi serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of hill transport infrastructure under monsoon stress. While quick response teams managed to restore limited connectivity, the threat of further slides remains. Residents and transporters alike face ongoing uncertainty during peak rain spells, with livelihoods and essential services impacted by these recurring disruptions. Experts stress the urgency of preventive engineering interventions and consistent maintenance across vulnerable corridors. As the monsoon progresses, ensuring safety and reliability on these lifeline roads will demand both strategic upgrades and sustained on-ground vigilance from authorities.
