Imagine being stuck in your car for three days on a mountain road, surrounded by nothing but snow and silence. For hundreds of travelers on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, this isn’t a scene from a movie—it’s their current reality. As of Sunday, January 25, 2026, the vital National Highway 44 (NH-44) remains officially closed due to relentless snowfall across the Kashmir Valley, particularly in the critical Ramban and Kulgam sectors [[8], [10]].
Table of Contents
- The Current Crisis on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway
- Why the Srinagar-Jammu Highway is So Vital
- Snow Clearance Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
- Impact on Stranded Travelers and Local Economy
- Travel Advisories and Alternative Routes
- Is This the Future of Winter Travel in Kashmir?
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Current Crisis on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway
The trouble began on Friday, January 23, 2026, when a powerful western disturbance dumped heavy snow across the region, forcing authorities to suspend all traffic on the 270-kilometer stretch . By Sunday, the closure had stretched into its third day, with official traffic advisories confirming that the highway “is still closed due to snow accumulation between Nachlana and Navyug tunnel” [[1], [15]].
Hundreds of vehicles—trucks carrying essential supplies, private cars, and buses filled with passengers—are stranded at various points along the route. The situation is most precarious in the Ramban district, a notoriously landslide- and avalanche-prone area that acts as a bottleneck on the journey .
Why the Srinagar-Jammu Highway is So Vital
The Srinagar-Jammu highway isn’t just another road; it’s the primary land artery connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India. It serves as the main conduit for:
- Essential Supplies: Nearly all fuel, food, medicine, and other critical goods for millions of Kashmiris arrive via this route.
- Passenger Movement: It’s the most affordable and widely used mode of transport for locals and tourists alike.
- Economic Lifeline: Any prolonged closure has an immediate and severe impact on the local economy, disrupting trade and daily commerce.
When NH-44 shuts down, the valley becomes effectively isolated by land, making air travel the only alternative—a costly and weather-dependent option.
Snow Clearance Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
Multiple agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), have been working around the clock to clear the snow. Their efforts have led to some progress, with reports of the highway being “partially restored” in certain stretches to begin evacuating stranded vehicles [[17], [18]].
However, their work is being severely hampered by ongoing precipitation. The Kulgam district, in particular, has witnessed continuous snowfall, which not only adds fresh layers of snow but also increases the risk of avalanches and landslides on the cleared sections [[21], [27]]. This creates a frustrating game of cat-and-mouse for the clearance teams, who clear a path only to see it buried again hours later.
Impact on Stranded Travelers and Local Economy
For the stranded travelers, the situation is dire. Many have been without adequate food, water, or heating for days in sub-zero temperatures. Local communities along the highway have stepped up, providing hot meals and shelter where possible, showcasing remarkable resilience and humanity.
The economic ripple effect is equally concerning. Perishable goods in trucks are spoiling, businesses in Srinagar are running low on stock, and the cost of essentials is beginning to rise. A prolonged closure of even a few more days could trigger a significant supply chain crisis in the valley.
Travel Advisories and Alternative Routes
Authorities have issued strong advisories against any non-essential travel on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. The official stance is clear: “People are advised not to travel on NH-44” until further notice .
For those with urgent needs, the only viable alternative is air travel. Fortunately, despite light snow in Srinagar city, flight operations at the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport have continued without disruption, providing a crucial, albeit limited, link to the outside world . There are no practical road alternatives that can handle the volume of traffic that NH-44 normally carries.
Is This the Future of Winter Travel in Kashmir?
This latest shutdown raises a critical long-term question: is the current infrastructure sufficient for the new climate realities? With experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) noting an increase in the frequency and intensity of western disturbances in recent years, such multi-day closures might become more common .
This event underscores the urgent need for a more robust and resilient connectivity plan for the region. This could include accelerated work on the Jammu-Baramulla railway line or exploring the feasibility of more all-weather tunnels to bypass the most vulnerable stretches of the highway. Until then, the people of Kashmir remain at the mercy of the mountains and the weather.
Conclusion
The extended closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway is more than just a temporary inconvenience; it’s a stark reminder of the region’s geographical vulnerability and the immense challenges of maintaining year-round connectivity in the Himalayas. While snow clearance crews battle the elements, hundreds wait in uncertainty. For anyone planning travel to or from Kashmir, staying updated with official traffic advisories is not just recommended—it’s essential. Learn more about safe winter travel in mountainous regions in our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:winter-driving-safety-tips].
Sources
- Traffic Plan and Advisory For 25-01-2026 Jammu Srinagar NHW-44 Is Still Closed…
- Fresh snowfall in Kashmir, Srinagar-Jammu national highway… Hundreds of vehicles are stranded…
- Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to Remain Closed Today, January 25, due to heavy snow…
- Srinagar-Jammu highway remains closed due to heavy snowfall in Ramban district…
- Traffic update: Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is still closed…
- Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is still closed due to snow accumulation between Nachlana and Navyug Tunnel…
- Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been partially restored…
- Kulgam district witnessed continuous snowfall… road connectivity has been severely affected…
- Efforts underway to restore traffic on Srinagar-Jammu NH… in Kulgam and Anantnag districts…
- Fresh snowfall in Kashmir: Srinagar-Jammu national highway remains closed for third day…
- Dry weather likely in Kashmir over next 48 hours… recent spell of intense windstorms and heavy snowfall disrupted…