The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) continued to remain shut for the second straight day on Sunday due to hazardous, slippery road conditions caused by heavy snowfall. Persistent snowfall for a second consecutive night affected major hill resorts of the Jammu region, including Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar and Batote, along with Banihal, Gool and nearby areas, bringing normal life to a standstill.

Although the region witnessed clear and sunny weather earlier in the day, raising hopes for the restoration of power, water supply and traffic movement, road blockages severely impacted daily life. The closure of NH-44 and NH-244, coupled with empty markets and a lack of customers, forced many shopkeepers in Batote market of Ramban district to keep their shops closed for the second day in a row.

Tourists, particularly snow enthusiasts who were unable to reach Patnitop due to road closures, were seen enjoying the snowfall in accessible areas, while children played in the snow. However, the long-awaited snowfall also led to widespread disruption of electricity, water supply, surface transport and telecommunication services. The Ramban district administration appeared ill-prepared to handle the sudden heavy snowfall, with inadequate snow-clearing machinery and insufficient manpower from the Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited and the Jal Shakti department. Several remote tehsils, including Batote, Banihal, Gool, Ukhral and Rajgarh, remained cut off from the Ramban district headquarters for the second consecutive day.

NH-44 had been closed since Friday following heavy rain and snowfall, with traffic movement also halted at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur. Air travel was similarly affected, as Srinagar Airport and IndiGo Airlines announced the temporary suspension and cancellation of multiple flights. Authorities stated that ongoing rainfall and snowfall accumulation up to Ramsoo prompted the suspension of all types of traffic at safer locations along NH-44 as a precaution against treacherous road conditions. Meanwhile, heavy snowfall continued for the second day in the Bhalesa area of Doda district, where residents were advised by the district administration to remain indoors for safety.

Temperatures in the region dropped below freezing, with nearly one foot of snow recorded in the plains and two to three feet accumulating in higher reaches. Essential services such as electricity and water supply remained disrupted, while highways and link roads continued to be blocked due to landslides, fallen trees and heavy snow buildup. Only emergency services were allowed to operate until weather and road conditions improve.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.