🚗❄️ NH-44 Blocked 3rd Day: Stranded Thousands & 58 Flights Cancelled! ✈️
URGENT UPDATE | January 29, 2026 | Heavy Snow Paralyses J&K
Snow blankets NH-44, stranding vehicles in Jammu & Kashmir
The vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) stays sealed for the third straight day due to intense snowfall and slippery conditions, trapping hundreds of vehicles and thousands of travelers, including tourists, across key stretches like Banihal, Navyug Tunnel, and Qazigund.
🚨 Disruption Highlights:
- 🛣️ NH-44 Closure: Shut since Jan 27; snow clearance ongoing with machinery at vulnerable spots, but ice persists despite brief sunshine.
- ✈️ Srinagar Airport Chaos: 58 flights grounded on Jan 27 (29 arrivals + 29 departures) due to poor visibility and runway snow; operations halted for safety.
- 👥 Stranded Masses: Nearly 80 tourists rescued near Lokhandi after 3 days; Mughal Road, Sinthan Pass also blocked.
Airport Director Javed Anjum emphasized passenger safety as priority, with IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet among affected carriers; passengers advised to check with airlines. Traffic police halted movements from Nagrota and Batote, urging no travel until full restoration.
Relentless winter fury continues to isolate Kashmir valley, with power outages and disruptions compounding woes; restoration efforts intensify amid forecasts of dry weather aiding progress. State Correspondents brings you real-time coverage from the ground.
