Flight operations at Srinagar Worldwide Airport resumed on Sunday, a day after heavy snowfall grounded all flights to and from the Kashmir Valley. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed the reopening and expressed optimism about restoring normalcy. “Flight operations have restarted, and we’re looking forward to clean companies forward,” an AAI official said, signaling aid for vacationers stranded because of the climate disruptions.
Jammu-Srinagar Freeway Reopens
Alongside air journey, the Jammu-Srinagar nationwide freeway reopened on Sunday, permitting automobiles stranded in the course of the closure to proceed their journeys. Nonetheless, authorities cautioned motorists about slippery street situations, significantly on the Banihal-Qazigund stretch, and urged adherence to lane self-discipline to make sure security.
The freeway closure and suspension of practice companies got here after the Valley skilled its first main snowfall of the season on Friday night, persevering with by way of Saturday. Snow accumulation disrupted floor transportation, isolating the area quickly.
Key Routes Nonetheless Blocked
Whereas the Jammu-Srinagar freeway is useful, a number of vital routes stay impassable because of heavy snowfall:
Mughal Highway: Connecting Jammu’s Poonch district to the Valley, the route stays shut because of snow.
Sinthan Cross: This crucial hyperlink in Kishtwar continues to be inaccessible.
Sonamarg-Kargil Highway: The inter-UT route between Kashmir and Ladakh is at the moment blocked.
Efforts to clear the Srinagar-Leh freeway are ongoing, with heavy equipment deployed to make the street trafficable.
The snowfall has remodeled Kashmir right into a picturesque winter wonderland, attracting vacationers from across the globe. On the eve of the New Yr, the Valley’s snow-clad magnificence has been a serious draw for guests, providing a contemporary enhance to tourism.
Locals and vacationers alike are having fun with the appeal of Kashmir’s winter panorama, regardless of the momentary challenges introduced on by the snowfall. The early winter storm marks the onset of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, a 40-day interval recognized for its intense chilly and frequent snowstorms.
This seasonal phenomenon, whereas harsh, is seen as useful for the area’s agriculture, horticulture, and tourism sectors. “The snowfall is a blessing—it enhances our pure magnificence and boosts tourism in the course of the peak winter season,” stated an area shopkeeper in Srinagar.
Regardless of the disruptions, life in Kashmir is step by step returning to regular, with locals and officers working tirelessly to make sure connectivity. Vacationers proceed to reach, braving the chilly to witness the Valley’s unparalleled winter appeal.
