Avalanche – Minor Snow Slide Briefly Blocks Bhaderwah-Pathankot Highway
Avalanche – A brief avalanche disrupted traffic on a key inter-state highway before authorities restored movement later in the evening.
A small avalanche struck the Bhaderwah-Pathankot inter-state road on Sunday evening, temporarily halting traffic near Guldanda and leaving dozens of vehicles stranded for several hours. Officials confirmed that swift action by the Border Roads Organisation ensured the route was reopened without any casualties or major damage.
Swift Response Prevents Major Disruption
According to Executive Magistrate Kamal Preet Singh, nearly 40 vehicles were caught on the affected stretch when the snow mass slid onto the roadway. The incident occurred on a strategic section frequently used by local residents and tourists traveling between Jammu and Kashmir and neighboring regions.
Singh stated that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) quickly deployed personnel and machinery to remove the accumulated snow and debris. Within a short period, the blocked portion of the highway was cleared, allowing stranded motorists to continue their journeys.
Emergency teams, including ambulances and local police units, were dispatched to the location as a precautionary measure. Members of the civil administration also reached the site to assist travelers and ensure that panic did not spread among those waiting for the road to reopen.
Officials emphasized that there was no loss of life or property. The avalanche covered only a limited patch of the road, and structural damage to the highway was not reported. Authorities confirmed that there was no need to shut down the nearby tourist areas, as the situation was brought under control promptly.
Travelers Describe Temporary Inconvenience
Among those affected were tourists visiting the scenic Bhaderwah region. One traveler from Rajasthan said the group had arrived to experience the snowfall when the sudden blockage interrupted their plans.
He described being stuck for nearly two to three hours before road clearance teams completed their work. Once the highway reopened, the tourists resumed their journey, expressing relief that the situation was resolved safely.
Despite the brief inconvenience, many travelers acknowledged the efficient handling of the incident by the authorities on the ground.
Strategic Route Remains Operational
The Bhaderwah-Pathankot road serves as an important inter-state connection and plays a vital role in maintaining access to remote mountainous areas. Snowfall and avalanches are not uncommon during the winter season in higher-altitude zones, particularly along stretches near Guldanda.
Local officials noted that weather conditions in the region can change rapidly, making preparedness essential. Regular monitoring and quick deployment of snow clearance teams help ensure that disruptions remain minimal even during challenging weather.
Recent High-Altitude Operation at Chatergala Pass
The latest incident comes shortly after a major snow clearance and rescue operation was carried out at Chatergala Pass in Jammu and Kashmir. Located at an elevation of around 10,500 feet on the Bhaderwah-Chatergala axis, the pass experienced heavy snowfall that severely affected road connectivity.
The operation was conducted by the 118 Road Construction Company under the 35 Border Roads Task Force as part of Project Sampark of the Border Roads Organisation. Teams worked in difficult high-altitude conditions to restore movement and assist those affected by the snow buildup.
Authorities continue to advise travelers to check weather updates and road conditions before planning journeys through mountainous areas during winter months. With snowfall expected to persist in higher reaches, officials remain on alert to respond swiftly to any further disruptions.