❄ HEAVY SNOWFALL PARALYSES KASHMIR: Jammu–Srinagar Highway Shut, 58 Flights Cancelled, Tourists Stranded
Continuous heavy snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir has forced the closure of the vital Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) for a third straight day, cutting off the Valley from the rest of the country. All 58 scheduled flights at Srinagar International Airport were cancelled on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of tourists and passengers stranded in hotels, vehicles and at the airport.
Highway Status & Traffic Advisory
Traffic Police Headquarters J&K confirmed that NH-44 remains completely closed due to heavy snow accumulation and slippery conditions between Nachlana, Banihal and Qazigund, with no civilian traffic allowed from either side. Men and machinery have been deployed for snow clearance, but fresh spells and black ice have slowed restoration efforts.
Thousands of trucks, passenger buses and private vehicles are stuck at safer halting points in Ramban, Udhampur and Qazigund sectors as authorities appeal to people to avoid unnecessary travel and check latest advisories before starting their journey.
Flights Cancelled, Tourists Stuck
At Srinagar airport, all 58 scheduled services – 29 arrivals and 29 departures – were cancelled after continuous snowfall made the runway unsafe, disrupting travel plans of holidaymakers returning post Republic Day weekend. Many tourists reported repeated rescheduling of flights and extended hotel stays as airlines offered refunds or alternate dates.
Popular resorts including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg turned into postcard-perfect winter landscapes, but blocked roads and flight cancellations meant tourists had to remain indoors or within town limits, waiting for weather to improve and connectivity to be restored.
Weather, Services & Administration Response
A western disturbance brought widespread snowfall to plains and higher reaches, with some upper areas receiving up to two to three feet of snow, affecting power lines, water supply and local roads in several districts. Train services between Banihal and Budgam were partially hit, with a few morning trains cancelled before operations resumed after track clearance.
District administrations have set up helplines and control rooms, while police and SDRF teams are helping evacuate patients and vulnerable residents from snowbound pockets to health facilities. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to follow advisories, avoid venturing into avalanche-prone slopes and keep emergency supplies ready.
Voices from the Ground
- Stranded tourists: Many visitors described a mix of anxiety over missed flights and delight at witnessing rare, intense snowfall in “heaven on earth”.
- Local residents: Shopkeepers and taxi operators reported losses but hoped the fresh snowpack would boost the winter tourism season once roads reopen.
- Officials: Traffic and district officials said restoration of NH-44 will depend on stoppage of snowfall and successful removal of accumulated ice from critical stretches.
Helplines & Travel Advisory
Travellers have been advised to confirm the status of the Jammu–Srinagar highway with Traffic Control Units in Jammu and Srinagar before starting. Passengers booked to or from Srinagar airport have been asked to stay in touch with airlines for latest flight updates and rescheduling options.
