A massive landslide blocked the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri National Highway near Eco Park in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday, stranding dozens of vehicles and halting traffic completely on this crucial lifeline route.
The event unfolded around noon in the Uri subdivision, where heavy snowfall in higher reaches combined with dense fog from a gripping cold wave dislodged huge boulders and debris, as captured in viral videos shared across social media and news outlets.
No casualties were reported, according to traffic police and local authorities, who swiftly diverted vehicles to alternate paths while deploying machinery for clearance; stranded motorists expressed relief at the quick response but highlighted the ordeal of hours-long waits in freezing conditions.
Officials emphasised ongoing weather risks, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting more snow and fog through the weekend, underscoring the vulnerability of the region.​
Dramatic Blockage Captured in Real Time
The incident turned chaotic as enormous rocks tumbled down the hillside, enveloping the highway in a thick cloud of dust and smoke, footage from India Today and PTI vividly showed motorists abandoning their cars and fleeing to safety.
Eyewitness accounts described the sudden roar of sliding earth echoing through the fog-shrouded valley, with over 50 vehicles including trucks, cars, and local taxis trapped behind the debris pile stretching several metres across the two-lane road.
Baramulla’s Eco Park area, known for its scenic bends but precarious slopes, proved the flashpoint, where recent road-widening efforts may have loosened unstable terrain. Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police issued immediate advisories via WhatsApp groups and social media, stating, “The highway remains closed at Eco Park; one-way traffic may resume post-clearance, but heavy snow poses further threats.”
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force arrived promptly, prioritising safe evacuation amid temperatures hovering at minus 8°C, humanising the story of families huddled in vehicles, sharing scarce warmth and rations while awaiting relief.​
Broader Context of Kashmir’s Winter Vulnerabilities
This landslide is no isolated mishap but part of a pattern plaguing the 70-km Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch, a strategic artery connecting the Valley to border areas and vital for daily commutes, military logistics, and tourism.
Just weeks ago, similar slides on the Jammu-Srinagar highway trapped hundreds and caused minor injuries, while historical data reveals over 20 such incidents annually during peak winter due to the Pir Panjal range’s fragile geology.
The current cold wave, intensified by climate shifts, has blanketed higher reaches like Uri with over 30 cm of fresh snow in 48 hours, while valleys battle visibility-zero fog that hampers machinery and delays operations.
The IMD’s extended bulletin warns of “moderate to heavy snowfall” until Sunday, potentially worsening conditions on NH-1 and neighbouring routes. Local voices, including traders from Baramulla markets, lament economic ripple effects delayed supplies mean shortages of essentials like vegetables and fuel.
Government responses include drone surveillance for early detection and community drills, yet gaps persist, as opposition leaders call for federal aid to fortify slopes with retaining walls and netting. This backdrop not only explains the “why” and “how” but reveals systemic challenges in balancing development with nature’s whims in one of India’s most scenic yet perilous terrains.​
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian stands firmly with the resilient people of Kashmir, viewing this landslide not merely as a weather-induced blockage but as a poignant call to action for compassionate, forward-thinking governance that safeguards lives in ecologically sensitive zones.
In a nation committed to peace and progress, we advocate for empathy-driven solutions: investing in cutting-edge early-warning tech, community-led monitoring networks, and sustainable engineering that harmonises human needs with the mountains’ might, while fostering dialogue between officials, locals, and environmentalists to prevent future heartaches.
