Continual heavy rainfall has soaked the roads along the highway, causing damp conditions in certain areas. Additionally, the rocky and mountainous terrain poses significant challenges and dangers to the ongoing vehicular movement on the highway.

The decision was taken after a heavy downpour of rain caused shooting stones and triggered a massive landslide in the Kishtwari-Pather region. This 270-kilometer length is the main artery linking the Kashmir division to the rest of the nation. 

Among the deceased are the driver of the vehicle, Balwan Singh (47), hailing from Amb Ghrotha in Jammu, and Vipin Mukhiya Bhairagang from West Champaran in Bihar.

Traffic is currently moving smoothly from Jammu to Srinagar, the officer confirmed. However, commuters have been urged to adhere to lane discipline and drive cautiously.

Hundreds of vehicles transporting basic goods such as gasoline and gas, as well as essential supplies like medicines and food, are stalled in Jammu, Udhampur, and other regions between Srinagar and Jammu.  

Road clearance agencies worked tirelessly to remove debris, allowing stranded vehicles to move towards their destinations by late Friday afternoon.