NH-44 restoration under review: Principal Secretary R&B monitors landslide-hit stretch in Udhampur

Udhampur, Sep 16, KNT: Anil Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Public Works (R&B) Department, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday visited Thard along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) to monitor restoration work at the landslide-hit stretch.

He was accompanied by Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Suleman Choudhary and Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Saloni Rai during the site inspection. Officials assessed the ongoing repair operations aimed at clearing debris and stabilising the hillside to ensure safe vehicular movement on the strategic highway.

The visiting team reviewed the measures undertaken by engineers and contractors to expedite restoration, stressing the importance of restoring smooth traffic flow at the earliest. Singh interacted with the field staff, directing them to mobilise additional resources where necessary and adhere to safety standards during the clearance process.

The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway has remained under stress due to recurrent landslides triggered by rains, forcing prolonged suspension of heavy vehicle movement and causing massive disruption in supplies to the Kashmir Valley. Authorities said priority is being given to restoring connectivity and ensuring safe passage for stranded vehicles once the work is completed. [KNT]