Srinagar, Jan 25 — The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway remained closed for the third straight day on Sunday as heavy snowfall continued to disrupt road connectivity across large parts of the Jammu region, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and essential services affected, officials said.
“Traffic towards Srinagar is still suspended due to unsafe conditions. Clearance work is underway at multiple points,” a road clearance official said.
Authorities said hundreds of vehicles were stuck at Jakhani in Udhampur district, while only limited movement was temporarily permitted for tourists travelling towards Patnitop after verification of hotel bookings and identity documents. “No onward travel to Srinagar has been allowed so far,” an official added.
Several other key roads, including the Doda–Kishtwar stretch, also remained blocked as snow clearance teams worked amid difficult weather. Heavy machinery has been deployed across snowbound areas to restore connectivity.
“The worst challenges are in congested localities like Bhadra, where we have created temporary single-lane passages for emergency movement, especially ambulances,” an official involved in operations said.
Incessant snowfall for the second consecutive night covered popular tourist resorts such as Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar and Batote, along with Banihal, Gool and nearby areas. Markets in Batote town of Ramban district remained largely shut for the second day due to blocked roads and lack of customers.
While tourists stranded in the region were seen enjoying the snowfall, officials said the weather had severely disrupted daily life. Power and water supply, surface transport and telecommunications were affected in several areas.
“Restoration will continue on priority, but people should avoid unnecessary travel until roads are fully cleared and declared safe,” authorities said.