Jammu and Kashmir, with its pristine beauty and cultural and religious significance, is experiencing tremendous disruption due completely to rain water and flooding. The area has been subject to landslides, flash floods, and blockages that are making travel extremely hazardous. The holidays and weekly jaunts to Vaishno Devi, among India’s holiest pilgrimages, have been particularly impacted with roads being unpassable from the everyone’s natural decision of going for pilgrimages with heavy rainfall, which has now since led landslides along the routes, to significant advisories with Yatris travel, schools have been closed, trains were canceled, internet severely effected, and areas have highways blocked in multiple stretches between Jammu to adjoining states.
This travel advisory provides further updates with technical issues finding the actual causes on how the area is left in its current state, and a total compliance of guidance on behaviors for pilgrims, tourists, and locals.
Impact of Heavy Rainfall in Jammu & Surrounding Areas
1. Landslides and Floods
- Several areas in Doda, Ramban, and Udhampur districts have experienced very dangerous landslides.
- Inundation was also reported along low-lying areas by the river Chenab, causing concern of property damage and other displacing events.
- Roads leading to Katra and Vaishno Devi from Katra are blocked at several points, due to very dangerous mud slides.
2. Road Closures
- The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is still closed at many stretches, which has now severed necessary connectivity completely between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
- Routes leading to Katra and Bhawan (the shrine) are partially inaccessible, with emergency services being allowed with strict monitoring.
- Pilgrims who must travel Banihal and Ramban must still use extreme caution as intermittent blockages are being removed by the BRO, but still a very dangerous situation.
3. Train Cancellations & Transport Disruptions
- Multiple trains connecting Jammu Tawi and cities in the North have been cancelled or diverted because of safety issues.
- The railway line from Udhampur to Katra is facing operational disruptions which is impacting the pilgrims travelling for the yatra.
- Bus services and taxis are suspended in vulnerable areas.
4. Schools & Institutions Shut
- District officials in Jammu, Doda and Ramban have directed all schools and colleges to remain closed until the weather stabilises.
- Part of the reason for closing schools is a preventative measure, but part was in response to washed out roads and interruption of communications.
5. Internet & Communication Breakdown
- Internet and mobile networks in many districts are badly affected.
- Intermittent connectivity is causing communication hurdles for travelers, families, and officials.
- Digital payment systems are down in certain towns, adding to the inconvenience of travelers.
Must Read: Travel Alert for Jammu: Landslides, Floods Block Roads; Doda Hit After Heavy Rain
Advisory for Pilgrims & Travelers to Vaishno Devi
If you are planning the Vaishno Devi Yatra or travel to Jammu in the coming days, follow these guidelines:
1. Safety First
- Refrain from traveling unnecessarily in Jammu, Katra and Srinagar adi until the conditions improve.
- Refrain from crossing landslide areas without official clearance.
- Pilgrims are advised to defer the yatra until further notification from the government.
2. Check Travel Updates
- Updates are available through the official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) notification.
- Check Indian Railways and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) advisories prior to travel.
3. Accommodation & Essentials
- If stranded, check into safe accommodations in Jammu or Katra until roads reopen.
- Carry sufficient food, water, and cash as digital systems may not function.
- Medical kits and warm clothing are essential given the uncertain conditions.
4. Use Official Helplines
- Dial 112 for emergency services.
- For yatra-related queries, pilgrims can contact shrine board helplines.
- Local police and BRO teams are actively assisting travelers stuck on highways.
Government & Rescue Measures
- The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority is consistently tracking the situation.
- The BRO (Border Roads Organization) and the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams are clearing debris, and providing emergency food rations and other assistance.
- Helicopter services will be deployed to assist the stranded pilgrims in the event the situation deteriorates further.
- There are temporary relief camps established by district administrations in impact areas.
Expected Weather Outlook
- IMD (India Meteorological Department) has forecast more rainfall in the next 48 hours, with red alerts in hilly districts.
- Flash floods and landslides are likely to continue, meaning restrictions may remain in place for several days.
Conclusion
The current status in Jammu and Vaishno Devi is critical and travel remains unsafe as heavy rains, landslides, and blockages are affecting travel in the region. The situation is compounded with heavy rains damaging schools, cancellation of trains, cut off access to the internet, sections of highways destroyed , so many would find that planning travel during the period of severe weather may not be in their best interest. It would be sensible for pilgrims and travelers to postpone their travel plans until the weather improves. The shrine board and district authorities will take into consideration the safety of the devotees who visit the shrine, and updated advisories will be published as the situation develops.
As you plan a trip in the future, stay informed using official government channels and do not prioritize safety for the sake of religious or leisure travel.
