CM directs immediate action
By: Umaisar Gull Ganaie
Srinagar: At least 350 vehicles have been stuck along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway after the fresh snowfall forced the closure of the only road, connecting the Valley with the rest of the country.
Inspector General of Police Traffic, Suleman Choudhary said, “Traffic on the highway has been suspended in Qazigund due to slippery road conditions. Around 350 heavy motor vehicles (HMV) are stranded between Qazigund to Nayug Tunnel.”
The IGP said that small vehicles are being cleared and no fresh traffic is being allowed to ply from Udhampur. “Traffic will resume on Saturday morning, subject to road conditions,” he told KNO.
The IGP advised the commuters to avoid travelling on the highway until weather improves and the road is cleared.
Meanwhile, officials of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) stated that traffic through the Jawahar Tunnel has also been suspended due to heavy snowfall. “We have suspended traffic as a precautionary measure through Jawahar Tunnel due to snowfall on both sides of the tunnel,” a top BRO said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday intervened to address the traffic chaos caused by icy conditions on the Qazigund-Tunnel road, where vehicles were stranded in both directions.
“The icy conditions have caused traffic to back up. The stranded vehicles, in both directions, are slowly moving and, where necessary, being assisted,” said Omar Abdullah after speaking with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag.
The DC is on the spot with his team, accompanied by an ambulance for any medical emergencies. “I’ve instructed him to ensure vehicles with families and children are given priority. If necessary, arrangements for overnight shelter will be made,” the Chief Minister added.
350 vehicles stranded on Sgr-Jmu NH
