50 Gujarati Tourists Stranded on Jammu-Srinagar Highway Amid Landslides

Ramban, Apr 21: Nearly 50 tourists from Gujarat have been left stranded in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district after landslides triggered by incessant rainfall blocked the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a key lifeline connecting the Valley with the rest of the country.

The tourists, hailing from Gandhinagar and Banaskantha districts of Gujarat, found themselves stuck as continuous rain and cloudbursts caused multiple landslides, bringing traffic to a halt and damaging stretches of the highway.

In response, the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that all tourists are safe and the local administration in Ramban is providing them with essential support, including food and temporary shelter.

Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghvi, under instructions from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, directed state police to coordinate with authorities in Jammu and Kashmir. Gujarat Police promptly established contact with the J&K Police Control Room and Ramban SSP to confirm the wellbeing of the tourists.

Officials said the Gujarat government remains in close communication with Jammu and Kashmir’s administration and central agencies to monitor the situation and ensure continued assistance to those affected.

Efforts are underway to restore the highway, though authorities have warned that the operation may take time due to adverse weather conditions and continued risk of fresh landslides. (CNS)