Ramban: A fresh incident of collapse at the Dalwas slide area along the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway on Friday has once again disrupted vehicular movement and raised serious concerns over the quality and stability of ongoing construction works along the vital road link.
According to reports, a concrete retaining wall at the site gave way, triggering a fresh slide that spilled debris onto the highway. The collapse led to partial obstruction of traffic, particularly affecting vehicles traveling from Jammu towards the Kashmir Valley.
Officials said that efforts were underway to clear the route. “The retaining structure has failed, and part of the debris is sliding toward the carriageway. If the slide continues, it may damage another stretch of the road,” a local source said.
Engineering design under scrutiny
The incident has reignited public criticism of the engineering design and construction quality of highway structures in the Ramban–Banihal sector — a portion of the route long notorious for recurring landslides and unstable slopes.
Commuters and locals questioned the reliability of concrete walling and other slope protection works being undertaken as part of the highway’s expansion project.
“This is not the first time such a failure has happened. Every few months, a retaining wall or slope protection measure collapses, causing huge inconvenience. Authorities must ensure quality and durability in such critical structures,” said a transport operator.
Concerns ahead of winter
The timing of the slide has heightened worries, as the highway serves as the only all-weather road link between Kashmir and the rest of the country. With the onset of winter and the likelihood of heavy rainfall and snowfall in the coming weeks, further disruptions could isolate the Valley and affect essential supplies.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and local administration are yet to issue a detailed statement on the causes of the collapse and the measures being taken to ensure slope stabilization in the area.
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