Fresh snowfall across the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday disrupted normal life, affecting road, rail, and air services, and causing widespread inconvenience to residents and travellers.
While traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway remained suspended due to heavy snowfall at different places between Ramban and Banihal, all flights from Srinagar Airport were cancelled due to adverse weather.
Continuous snowfall made roads slippery and unsafe, forcing the closure of several routes and leading to traffic disruptions at many places. Rail services were also hit, with several trains cancelled. However, officials said operations were restored after a few hours once the tracks were cleared.
Light to moderate snowfall was recorded in the plains, including Srinagar, while higher reaches received heavy snow. Popular tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam witnessed heavy snowfall, turning them into picturesque winter landscapes but also adding to travel difficulties.
The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway was closed due to heavy snow accumulation between Qazigund and Banihal, cutting off surface connectivity. However, train services between Srinagar and Katra continued as per schedule.
In view of the situation, authorities set up control rooms and helpline numbers to assist stranded passengers, including tourists. Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Authority issued avalanche warnings for several districts, urging people to exercise caution, especially in higher and vulnerable areas.
Officials from the Meteorological Department said the weather activity is expected to gradually subside from late evening, with further improvement likely during the night. However, they warned that reduced visibility and slippery roads may continue to cause disruptions in some areas.
The Meteorological Department also advised travellers and transporters to check road and highway conditions with traffic authorities before starting their journey and urged the public to strictly follow official advisories.
Farmers have been advised to suspend farming activities till January 28, as continued rain and snowfall could damage crops and affect agricultural operations. Residents, particularly those living in higher reaches, have been cautioned against venturing towards steep slopes and avalanche-prone areas.
District administrations and concerned departments remain on high alert to deal with any emergency, while people have been advised to stay indoors unless necessary and follow official instructions until weather conditions fully improve.
All flights from Srinagar Airport cancelled
Adverse weather conditions, including continuous snowfall, disrupted air operations at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, leading to the cancellation of all flights.
"Due to adverse weather conditions and continuous snowfall in Srinagar, the runway is currently not available for safe aircraft operations. In the interest of passenger safety, all flight operations to and from Srinagar have been cancelled for the day," a spokesperson for Srinagar Airport posted on the official social media handle.
"Airline and airport authorities are closely monitoring the weather situation and will resume operations as soon as conditions improve and the runway is declared operational," the spokesperson said, adding, "Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines and stay updated through official communication channels. We regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate passengers' understanding and cooperation."
Action taken against engineers over snow clearance lapses
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has initiated departmental action against several officers of the Public Works (R&B) Department over alleged delays in snow clearance and unauthorised absence from duty during the recent spell of snowfall.
According to an official communication issued by the Public Works (R&B) Department, the action follows a report dated January 25, 2026, from the Personal Section of the Deputy Chief Minister, J&K, after his visit to the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC), Srinagar.
The order states that during the visit, Er. Sandeep Vaishnavi, Assistant Engineer, Machinery Division, Srinagar, was found absent from duty. The issue was further brought to the notice of the authorities through complaints from elected representatives and public delegations from Shopian, Anantnag, Imam Sahib, Tangmarg, Zainapora, and other areas of the Kashmir Division regarding alleged non-performance by certain officers and officials of the PW (R&B) Department.
The complaints cited failure in timely snow clearance, leading to disruption of road connectivity and essential services. Taking serious note of the matter, the Deputy Chief Minister has directed that the following officers and officials be placed under suspension and their duties reassigned as per administrative convenience:
Er. Noor Din, AEE, PW (R&B) Sub-Division Imam Sahib, Division Zainapora
Er. Shabir Ahmad Ganie, AEE, Mechanical & Hospital Division, Tangmarg
Er. Nasir, AE, Mechanical & Hospital Division, Anantnag (Sub-Division II)
Er. Sandeep Vaishnavi, AE (PM Package), Machinery Division, Srinagar
Er. Ramiz, JE, Mechanical & Hospital Division Zainapora, Sub-Division Imam Sahib
The department has sought inputs from the concerned Chief Engineers to enable further proceedings in the matter within a day. The communication has been issued by Mohib Ali Bukhari, JKAS, Under Secretary to the Government.
