Heavy snow keeps Srinagar-Jammu NH-44 shut for two days, leaving visitors stranded and costs rising

NH-44 between Srinagar and Jammu remained closed for a second consecutive day as fresh snowfall and icy patches prevented safe passage, leaving hundreds of tourists and local travellers unable to reach their destinations despite partial resumption of flights at Srinagar airport.

Current operational picture and immediate impact

Road clearance teams continued snow-removal operations on the National Highway (NH-44) while the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) applied salt and urea to melt frost and improve traction on treated sections. Although the Srinagar airport reopened for scheduled flights after weather improved, the highway closure created a bottleneck for ground transfers: many intercity buses and private cars remain off the road, and taxi services face elevated demand and surge pricing at transit points.

Who is affected

• Tourists: Hundreds reported being unable to leave the valley, incurring extra accommodation and transport costs.
• Local commuters: Supply chains for essentials on both sides of the pass experienced delays.
• Transfer operators: Taxi and shuttle providers needed to re-route, reschedule, or wait for clearer conditions.

Voices on the ground

Several travellers described mounting hardship. Kailash, a tourist from Rajasthan, said he and his party had been stuck for two days and faced high last-minute flight fares. Mohit Sharma reported that although weather conditions had improved, traffic was still not being allowed, forcing many to exceed their travel budgets. In contrast, Shipra Bharadwaj—on her fourth Kashmir trip—called the experience fortunate, noting that visiting during Chilla-i-Kalan maximized the chance to witness heavy snowfall.

Practical implications for transfers and taxis

At a glance, a highway closure like this shifts travel demand toward air and last-mile services. Expect these consequences for taxi and transfer planning:

Advice for travellers who find themselves delayed

• Confirm exact departure times with carriers and request written fare quotes before booking alternate flights.
• Consider group transfers or shared shuttles to reduce per-person fares.
• Check vehicle suitability: request winter tyres and confirm driver license and experience for mountain routes.
• Book transfers through platforms that show make, model, seats and driver ratings so you know what to expect.

How operators are managing clearance and safety

Field crews focused on mechanical snow removal and anti-icing treatments where gradient and frost made surfaces hazardous. Authorities prioritized clearing stretches near populated hubs first to enable local movement. Road safety checks and vehicle restrictions were enforced until traction improved sufficiently for normal traffic to resume.

Operational tips for transfer companies

• Maintain a standby fleet of 4x4s and multi-seaters to accommodate rerouted passengers.
• Provide transparent pricing for emergency pickup and extended waiting time to avoid disputes.
• Offer clear status updates via app notifications and SMS so passengers can plan around delays.

The broader tourism map likely sees only a temporary blip from a two-day highway closure: global impacts are minimal, but local operators, visitors, and last-mile providers feel the disruption immediately. For travellers and companies managing schedules, this event reinforces the value of flexible booking and verified transfer services that can adapt in real time. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of GetTransfer. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

Key highlights: the highway shutdown shows how quickly weather can cascade into higher fares, longer waits, and logistics headaches; snow clearance, anti-icing, and staged reopenings are the normal sequence to restore traffic; and travellers benefit when transfer services present exact vehicle and driver details so expectations match reality. Still, even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle choices and wide range of additional options provided by GetTransfer.com, aligning directly with the context and theme of your article. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

In summary, the NH-44 closure highlights how a single route disruption affects airport connections, taxi availability, fares and timing for anyone travelling to or from Srinagar. Travellers should confirm exact schedules, check transfer options in advance, and consider private or multi-seater services depending on group size. Using platforms that list car make, model, seats, driver license and ratings makes it easier to choose the best private transfer or taxi option when time is tight and prices fluctuate. Whether you need a cab to the airport, a limousine for comfort, or a cheap seater to split fares, plan ahead, know how much flexibility you have, and book a verified car with driver to get where you need to go with confidence. GetTransfer.com offers a global, user-friendly way to book personalised transfers, trips, and deliveries with transparency and convenience, helping you manage fare, price, driver and vehicle details before you travel.