Poonch – November 13, 2026: The historic Mughal Road, serving as a critical alternative highway corridor connecting the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in the Jammu division to Shopian in the Kashmir valley, remained shut to all vehicular traffic for the second consecutive day following heavy snowfall across the Pir Panjal ranges.
Continuous snow accumulation ranging between 8 inches to over a foot was recorded around the high-altitude pass at Pir Ki Gali, while surrounding ridges witnessed sub-zero temperatures and high-velocity icy winds. The adverse conditions caused extensive surface freezing, rendering the winding mountain highway highly hazardous for transport.
Mechanical Engineering Department personnel alongside traffic police personnel have deployed heavy-duty snow-clearing plows and salt spreaders from both Buffliaz on the Poonch side and Hirpora on the Shopian side. However, persistent snow drifts and frozen roadway segments have impeded rapid clearance efforts.
Traffic control authorities have strictly advised motorists to avoid journeying towards the Mughal Road corridor until comprehensive clearance is certified and safety assessments are completed. Commuters traveling between Jammu and Srinagar have been diverted via the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
Published by True Roots Media