Udhampur, Jan. 27 -- The strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been closed for vehicular traffic in both directions following heavy snowfall near the high-altitude Navyug Tunnel and continuous rainfall across Udhampur district, officials said on Tuesday. The suspension of traffic has left hundreds of vehicles stranded at multiple locations, with a major buildup reported at the Jakhani check naka in Udhampur.

Authorities said snowfall near the Navyug Tunnel and slippery road conditions in the Banihal sector made travel unsafe, forcing traffic officials to halt movement to prevent accidents and congestion. In addition to snowfall, persistent rainfall in the lower reaches of Udhampur further worsened driving conditions.

Dep...