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Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Normal Life in Kashmir, Flights and Rail Services Affected
Team Finance Saathi
28/Dec/2024
What's Covered in the Article:
- Heavy snowfall in Kashmir causes widespread disruptions, including flight and rail service cancellations.
- Srinagar-Jammu National Highway closed due to snow accumulation.
- Locals and tourists welcome the snowfall despite the chaos it caused to daily life.
On Saturday, December 28, 2024, life in Kashmir was severely affected by heavy snowfall that started on Friday, disrupting flight operations, rail services, and road traffic. The season's first snowfall blanketed Srinagar and many other plains in the valley, including south Kashmir, where heavy to very heavy snowfall was recorded. Central Kashmir also experienced moderate snowfall, further exacerbating the situation. Despite the beauty of the snow, the disruptions caused considerable inconvenience for both locals and tourists in the region.
Flight Operations Disrupted
The heavy snowfall caused significant disruption at the Srinagar Airport, with all flights cancelled due to bad weather conditions. According to a statement from the airport, passengers were advised to contact airlines for updates, as most flights on Saturday were cancelled. The airport officials reported that nearly 80 percent of flights were affected, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions. Earlier, air traffic was suspended due to the snowfall, further compounding the difficulties faced by travelers.
Road Closures and Traffic Delays
In addition to the aviation disruptions, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a vital route connecting the region, was closed due to snow accumulation. Traffic Department officials stated that the clearance work on the highway was being hampered by heavy snowfall near the Navyug Tunnel, a critical point along the route. The closure of this highway created major challenges for travelers trying to move between Jammu and Srinagar, with no clear timeline for when the road would be cleared.
Rail Services Suspended
Another significant disruption came in the form of rail services. The Banihal-Baramulla train section was suspended due to heavy snow accumulation on the tracks. Railway officials mentioned that efforts were underway to clear the snow and restore service, but for the time being, travelers relying on the train were left stranded. The suspension of these services further contributed to the transportation crisis in the region.
Snowfall Measurements and Affected Areas
The snowfall varied in different parts of Kashmir. In Baramulla district, 4-9 inches of snow were recorded, while the famous Gulmarg ski resort received approximately 15 inches of snow. The Kupwara plains experienced 1-2 inches of snow, with the upper reaches of the region receiving 2-3 inches. Though many locals and tourists welcomed the snow, especially in popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg, the widespread disruptions in travel and daily life caused significant inconvenience.
Public Reaction and Challenges
While the snowfall was a welcomed sight for many, especially those eager for the winter tourist season, it created a logistical nightmare for daily life. The disruptions were felt across multiple sectors, with tourists unable to return home and locals facing difficulty in commuting. The authorities are working on clearing roads and restoring services, but it remains to be seen how long it will take for normalcy to be restored in the region.
Conclusion
The Kashmir snowfall on December 28, 2024, turned out to be both a blessing and a curse for the valley. While the snow is a source of beauty and joy for many, its impact on transportation systems has caused major disruptions. Flight cancellations, rail service suspensions, and road closures have made it difficult for people to travel across the region. Authorities are working to clear the affected areas, but for now, residents and visitors must bear the brunt of this seasonal weather phenomenon.