Fresh Landslide Disrupts Jammu–Srinagar Highway, Pul Doda Bridge Under Safety Inspection

A fresh landslide on Monday disrupted traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur district, while vehicular movement on a key bridge in Doda was temporarily halted after suspected cracks prompted a safety inspection, officials said.

The landslide struck the strategic highway at Dewal in Udhampur early Monday, forcing authorities to suspend traffic in both directions. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) immediately deployed men and machinery to clear the debris and restore movement.

Traffic officials advised commuters to avoid the affected stretch until it was declared safe, warning of the possibility of further landslides and shooting stones. People were also urged to rely only on updates issued through the Traffic Police's official social media platforms and not pay heed to rumours.

Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 3,823 Amarnath pilgrims, travelling in a 140-vehicle convoy under tight security towards the Baltal base camp, was allowed to cross the affected stretch after one-way traffic was restored. Officials said normal traffic would resume after the second tube became operational.

The highway had reopened on Sunday following a three-day disruption caused by multiple landslides and shooting stones triggered by heavy rainfall. Traffic was again suspended for much of the day to facilitate debris clearance in the Gangroo area along the Ramban–Banihal stretch.

In Doda, authorities closed the Pul Doda bridge late Sunday after reports of visible cracks raised safety concerns. However, a preliminary inspection by Public Works Department engineers found that the markings were not structural cracks and were likely caused by concrete overlap at shuttering joints during construction.

An expert team from the Design Inspection and Quality Control wing was also called to conduct further checks. Traffic has been diverted through the alternate Ganpat bridge until the Pul Doda bridge is certified safe for reopening.