Srinagar, Oct 18: The Uri-Baramulla highway was reopened to traffic on Sunday evening after remaining closed for five consecutive days following massive landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the Rajarwani area, bringing relief to commuters and residents affected by the prolonged disruption.
Electricity supply to around 50 affected villages in Uri was restored on Saturday evening, while the reopening of the highway has eased concerns over connectivity and access to essential services in the border area.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Uri Gaurav Yadav confirmed to Rising Kashmir that traffic movement had resumed on the affected stretch.
“The road has been opened this evening,” he said.
He also confirmed that electricity supply had been fully restored in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi visited the landslide-hit stretch of the Uri-Baramulla National Highway on Saturday to assess the situation and review the ongoing restoration work.
“I express gratitude to the concerned departments for working hard to restore the highway and electricity,” he told this newspaper.
The prolonged closure of the highway had caused considerable inconvenience to commuters and residents, particularly those dependent on the vital road link for transportation and access to essential services.
The disruption was compounded by damage to electricity infrastructure, including a 33 KV power line and around four electric poles, leaving dozens of villages without electricity.
Residents had expressed concern over the delay in restoring connectivity, urging the authorities to take effective measures to prevent similar prolonged disruptions in the future.
Locals also called for improved preparedness and timely intervention during adverse weather conditions, stressing that the highway serves as a crucial link between Uri and other parts of north Kashmir.
