Srinagar, May 4: Authorities suspended all vehicular movement on the Mughal Road today after fresh snowfall at Peer Ki Gali rendered the high-altitude pass too dangerous for travel. The closure follows a surge in moisture across the region that brought snow to the peaks of Karnah and Sadhna Top while soaking the Kashmir plains with heavy rain.
The 84-kilometer road, a vital artery connecting the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, became unstable as ice and slush accumulated on the steep gradients. To prevent accidents in the treacherous terrain, the Traffic Department halted traffic at several checkpoints, advising travelers to seek alternate routes or delay their journeys. Local officials noted that the snowfall has significantly impacted visibility in addition to road grip.
“The decision was taken as a safety measure,” affirmed Manzoor Ahmad Kohli, District Traffic Inspector for Poonch, regarding the preemptive shutdown.
Meteorological conditions in the valley indicate that while the hills are seeing snow, the rain in the plains has brought relief from the heat but increased the risk of localized waterlogging. Engineering teams are currently monitoring the accumulation levels at the highest points of the road. Officials stated that clearing equipment will be deployed once the visibility improves and the risk of further snowfall decreases.
“Traffic movement has been stopped on Mughal Road due to fresh snowfall in upper reaches and slippery conditions,” Kohli asserted while urging the public to remain vigilant.
