Srinagar-Jammu highway closed after fresh snowfall

, March 18: Non-stop rain and

on Tuesday triggered landslides on the Srinagar-Jammu

in

forcing closure of the vital road link for traffic.

A traffic department official here said incessant rain in Panthal, Digdol and some other places triggered landslides and falling boulders.

"Besides, there has been fresh snowfall in the Banihal area. The highway shall remain closed for vehicular traffic today (Tuesday).

"Travellers must contact the traffic control rooms in Srinagar and Jammu to find out the latest update about resumption of traffic," the officer said.

The over-300-km-long highway is the landlocked Kashmir Valley's only road connection with the rest of the country.

All essential supplies reach the Valley through this highway. Unscrupulous traders in the Valley often indulge in hoarding and profiteering following temporary or prolonged closure of the highway.

IANS