After two day-long incessant rains, the J&K traffic police on Monday evening stopped traffic from both sides of the Jammu Srinagar National Highway.
The decision was taken after a heavy downpour of rain caused shooting stones and triggered a massive landslide in the Kishtwari-Pather region.
This 270-kilometer length is the main artery linking the Kashmir division to the rest of the nation.
Earlier, a stoppage occurred in the Banihal area, but officials quickly restored traffic movement.
The onset of rain in the Ramban and Banihal districts increased the risk of shooting stones on various stretches of the route.
However, as rain slowed down this morning, officials had initially allowed traffic to flow from both sides.
"Unfortunately, around 5 p.m., continuous shooting stones at Kishtwari Pather caused a complete halt in traffic," said a traffic police official.
“Attempts to improve the situation began quickly, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) deploying staff and machines to clear the route,” he added.
Throughout the day, reports of shooting stones were received from various areas.
As of late evening, the road remained unusable for vehicles.
Scores of people were left stranded along the route as a result of the sudden halt.
Despite the ongoing rain, officials mobilised resources to clear debris and make the route operational again.
Given the current scenario, officials have issued cautions encouraging people to avoid travelling along the route until circumstances improve and the road is cleared.
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