Snowfall Forces Closure of Mughal Road; Traffic to Resume Post Clearance

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

RAJOURI-POONCH DEC 23:- Vehicle movement on the Mughal Road, a crucial link connecting the Rajouri and Poonch districts with the Kashmir Valley, was halted on Monday following heavy snowfall. The snowfall began around 2 PM, turning the weather inclement and creating treacherous driving conditions. By 4 PM, traffic authorities had stopped all vehicular movement to ensure public safety.

The stretch between Ratta Chhamb Bridge and Peer Ki Gali received significant snowfall, prompting traffic police and local law enforcement to patrol the route. All vehicles were cleared from the road before the closure was enforced. Officials have announced that the road will remain closed until the snow is cleared, with snow removal efforts set to begin only after the weather improves.

The closure has once again posed challenges for the residents of Rajouri and Poonch, who rely on the Mughal Road for quicker access to the Kashmir Valley. Without this route, travelers are forced to take a longer detour through Jammu, adding considerable time and inconvenience to their journey. The Mughal Road typically reduces travel time between the regions to just three to four hours.

Speaking on the situation, DSP Traffic Shiv Kumar stated, “Vehicle movement on Mughal Road has been suspended since 4 PM and will remain so until further orders. If the weather clears, snow removal operations will commence on Tuesday.”

Residents and commuters are urged to stay updated on road conditions and plan their travel accordingly.