Valley cut off: Highway closed, Air traffic suspended

Srinagar: Kashmir Valley remained cut-off from rest of the world for the second consecutive day Thursday due to the heavy snowfall leading to the closure of the vital Srinagar-Jammu highway besides affecting air traffic.

Reports said that the 300-km, Srinagar-Jammu highway remained closed for the second consecutive day today due to heavy snowfall around Jawahar Tunnel and other places which resulted in slippery road conditions and rendered the highway unsafe for movement of the traffic. At least 400 vehicles, including passenger buses and load carriers were stranded at Qazigund, Batote, Banihal, Ramban, Shaitan Nallah and other places.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Highways, Ghulam Mohammad Wadoo told that the traffic on the highway has been suspended due to slippery road conditions. Many vehicles, he said were stranded on the highway.

“We’re trying to clear the highway of the stranded vehicles. Men and machinery have been pressed into service to ensure smooth flow of traffic,” he added.

Coordinator Disaster Management and OSD with Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Amir Ali said that around vehicles were stranded near the Tunnel. However, the passengers, he said have been shifted to safe locations by the district authorities at Islamabad and Ramban.

“50 vehicles stranded outside Jawahar Tunnel, 20-25 vehicles stranded near lower Munda, 75 vehicles stranded inside Tunnel. These include around 20 Light Motor Vehicles.  The stranded passengers were provided with biscuits and eatables by the authorities,” he said.

On the Gulmarg-Tangmarg highway, Ali said around 50 vehicles were stranded at Kawnar. The stranded vehicles, he said were allowed to proceed towards their respective destinations after the highway was cleared.

The snowfall and poor visibility also affected the air traffic as incoming and outgoing flights were suspended at the Srinagar International airport. Some of the Valley bound flights were diverted to the winter capital.

“All flights cancelled due to poor visibility. Clearance of runway by beacon authorities is in progress.  Snow clearance machine were deployed at 3 morning for clearance of Airport road,” Coordinator Disaster Management said.

Meanwhile, Met office has predicted moderate to heavy snowfall and rains across the Valley in the next 24 hours.