Jammu-Srinagar highway remains closed

The Jammu-Srinagar highway on Tuesday remained closed to traffic for the seventh day in a row with authorities planning to restore it by day end as landslide debris removal was on in full swing.

"The landslide at Marog in Ramban-Ramsoo sector has been almost cleared. But two fresh landslides have occurred in the sector during the night. However, they are small ones and would be cleared soon. We are hopeful of opening the highway by today afternoon. 

"Till an announcement is made that the road is safe for travel, intending travellers are advised not to start the journey without contacting our control rooms in Jammu and Srinagar," a traffic official said.

Senior state highway officials were at Marog in Ramban district to personally supervise the clearance operation and ensure that stranded passengers were provided shelter and food. It has started raining in some areas along the road.

An acute shortage of essentials of life has hit the landlocked valley ever since the strategic 300 kilometre long road shut down on february six, following a series of avalanches and landslides.

All supplies of essential goods are routed into the valley through this highway.-IANS