Jammu-Srinagar highway closed after landslide in Ramban, vehicles stranded

Srinagar: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed in Ramban district on Thursday after massive boulders fell on the road, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides, officials said.
An official said that the highway remained blocked due to large boulders and a landslide between Karol Bridge and Chanderkot, halting vehicular movement.
Traffic from Jammu towards Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar, as well as in the opposite direction, has not been allowed until the road is fully cleared and declared safe.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic, National Highway, Raja Adil Hamid Ganaie, said that falling boulders struck the highway, forcing the suspension of traffic.
He said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery, and clearance work is underway.
“The highway will be reopened for traffic only after the debris is cleared and the road is declared safe,” the official said.
He said the shooting stones are continuing to fall along the highway. “Hopefully, the highway will be restored by late evening if all goes well. Work is in progress,” he said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of vehicles remain stranded on both sides of the highway due to the blockage