Baramulla, January 2, 2026

A landslide near Eco Park in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has blocked the Srinagar–Baramulla National Highway, bringing traffic to a standstill, authorities said on Friday. The incident occurred on the Uri subdivision stretchof the highway, a key route connecting Srinagar with the northern districts of Kashmir.

According to the Kashmir News Service (KNS), the landslide caused by recent weather disturbances did not result in any casualties or injuries. However, the blockage has disrupted vehicular movement along this vital highway, affecting commuters, local transport, and the supply of goods. Road clearance operations are reportedly underway, but officials have cautioned travelers to avoid the area until further notice.

The landslide comes amid fresh snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir, with several regions recording significant accumulation. Tourist hotspots Gulmarg and Sonamarg received two to three inches and five to six inches of snow, respectively, as a western disturbance continued to affect the region. The Meteorological Department has indicated that no major western disturbances are expected over the next 20 days, although scattered snow or light rainfall may occur in some areas.

The snowfall, combined with slippery roads, has already caused disruptions in traffic leading to popular destinations. Several vehicles were reported stranded en route to Gulmarg, prompting authorities to issue warnings and advise caution. Key roads, including the Mughal Road, which links south Kashmir with the Poonch and Rajouri districts in the Jammu division, have been closed as a precautionary measure. Additionally, the Simthan Road, connecting Anantnag with the Kishtwar and Doda districts, was also shut temporarily.

Snowfall accumulation has been significant in the higher reaches of Kashmir. Sadna Top in Kupwara district recorded five to six inches of fresh snow, while Tulail in Gurez received between nine and twelve inches. The upper reaches of Pahalgam also saw two to three inches of snowfall. These conditions have added to the challenges faced by road and traffic authorities in maintaining smooth movement across the region.

Weather forecasts from the MeT office in Srinagar indicate that the skies will remain mostly cloudy, with intermittent light rain or snowfall in scattered locations. Officials expect relatively stable conditions over the next two to three weeks, with only a few minor weather systems, allowing road and rescue authorities to gradually restore connectivity.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 2.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday night, which was 4.6 degrees above the seasonal average. Meanwhile, Gulmarg remained the coldest area, with temperatures dropping to minus 5.5 degrees Celsius, about 2.5 degrees lower than the previous night. The combination of cold temperatures, snow, and recent rainfall has increased the likelihood of further landslides in hilly and unstable regions, prompting the administration to maintain heightened vigilance.

Authorities have urged travelers to avoid non-essential travel on affected roads, particularly the Srinagar–Baramulla National Highway and mountain passes connecting northern and southern districts. Local residents and commuters are being advised to follow official updates regarding road clearance and alternative routes. Emergency teams, including road maintenance crews and disaster response personnel, have been deployed to the site of the landslide to clear debris and restore vehicular movement as quickly as possible.

The landslide near Eco Park underscores the vulnerability of the transport infrastructure in Kashmir’s hilly terrainduring the winter months. With heavy snowfall and intermittent rains, road blockages, traffic delays, and the risk of accidents remain high. Authorities have advised motorists to carry chains, warm clothing, and emergency supplieswhen traveling through affected areas and to follow instructions issued by local police and traffic authorities.

In addition to the landslide, several parts of Kashmir witnessed rainfall during the day, contributing to waterlogging and slippery conditions in low-lying areas. Despite these disruptions, officials noted that the situation remains under control, and ongoing monitoring is being conducted along major highways and vulnerable stretches.

With tourist destinations such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg receiving fresh snow, authorities are also balancing road safety measures with efforts to maintain accessibility for tourism, which is a key contributor to the local economy. Snow clearance teams have been actively deployed, and contingency plans have been activated to ensure that essential supplies and services continue to reach affected areas.

The Srinagar–Baramulla National Highway, being a critical lifeline connecting northern and central Kashmir, is expected to be cleared as soon as safety assessments are completed. The administration has assured the public that efforts are being made to restore traffic flow quickly and safely, while maintaining vigilance for potential secondary landslides.

Officials continue to monitor weather updates closely and have issued advisories emphasizing caution, especially for travelers and residents in hilly and avalanche-prone regions. The combination of snowfall, rain, and low temperatures has heightened the risk of accidents and further road disruptions.

As authorities work to reopen the highway, the public is encouraged to stay informed via official channels, avoid venturing into affected zones, and cooperate with rescue and traffic management teams to ensure safety.