Damaged Jammu-Srinagar Highway yet to be repaired

Damaged Jammu-Srinagar Highway yet to be repaired
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 19
Landslides triggered by the recent heavy rain across the Jammu region have caused an extensive damage to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is yet to start the repair work. The highway is not even visible at some places, posing a threat to drivers,especially those plying heavy vehicles.

Though the authorities claim that the highway is open to traffic, there is still debris on many stretches,giving commuters a tough time.

“I have to go to Srinagar, but the highway is in bad shape.Debris is still there, which can cause a major mishap,” said Mohit Kumar, a commuter.

He added: “ Officials of the NHAI should immediately start repair work so that the eight-hour journey can be easy for travellers.”

At Nandini also, water was seeping from tunnels and officials of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were trying to carry out repairs.

On another stretch,the road was sinking.Vehicles moved at a snail’s pace as only one-way traffic was allowed.

People coming from Srinagar said the situation was the same on the other side of the 312-km- long highway, as a number of trees, uprooted during the heavy rain, were lying on the roadside.

“Trees are still lying on roads and at some places,the commuters have cleared them. Senior officials should travel on the road to get first-hand information about the damage,” said Jagmohan Singh, a truck driver.

MK Jain, in-charge, NHAI ( J&K), said : “The highway is open to traffic. But, the heavy rain has caused damage to the road, which we are trying to repair.”

waiting for repair

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is yet to start the repair work.

The highway is not even visible at some places, posing a threat to drivers,especially those plying heavy vehicles.

There is still debris on many stretches,giving commuters a tough time.

People coming from Srinagar said the situation was the same on the other side of the 312-km- long highway, as a number of trees, uprooted during the heavy rain, were lying on the roadside.