NK Report
SRINAGAR: At a time of complete closure of Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, the region’s main arterial route, Mughal Road emerges as lifeline for Kashmir.
In the wake of severe disruptions to Jammu and Kashmir’s primary transport link which is Jammu Srinagar National Highway, the historic Mughal Road has emerged as the valley’s only lifeline, ensuring the continued flow of essential supplies to millions of residents.
The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, the region’s main arterial route, remained completely closed for nearly ten days after a major portion of the road at Tharad in Udhampur district sank during recent heavy rainfall.
The shutdown severed vital connections between Jammu, the Chenab valley, and Kashmir. Though partially restored over the past four days, the highway is currently open only for regulated, single-lane movement of light motor vehicles, leaving heavy traffic largely stranded.
The crisis deepened further with the closure of the Jammu–Srinagar railway line, forcing transporters to turn to the Mughal Road, an alternative 90-kilometre route linking Shopian in south Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch districts in Jammu.
Despite its challenges, single-direction heavy vehicle movement on alternate days and frequent congestion on its mountainous stretches, the Mughal Road has become a critical supply corridor for Kashmir valley.
Thousands of trucks loaded with food grains, vegetables, fuel, and other essentials now traverse this route daily, offering a much-needed breather to the Kashmir valley.
Local officials and drivers acknowledge the strain on the Mughal Road but credit it for preventing a full-blown supply crisis.
