Gujarati Travelers Stranded in Jammu-Kashmir Are Safe, Arrangements Being Made to Bring Everyone Back
Over 1,000 travelers, including many from Gujarat, were stranded due to a landslide following a cloudburst in Ramban. Government confirms all are safe and arrangements are being made for their return.
A cloudburst in Ramban district of Jammu & Kashmir on Sunday, April 20, 2025, triggered a massive landslide on National Highway 14, stranding numerous travelers, including many from Gujarat and other states. Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey confirmed that all affected passengers, including those from Gujarat, are safe.
According to the Gujarat State Emergency Operation Center and the state government, nearly 50 people from Gujarat were initially reported stranded. However, sources suggest the number could be over 1,000, including around 40 travelers from Aravalli district, 30 from Gandhinagar, and 20 from Palanpur.
Also read: 4 Dead And 17 Injured In Road Accident In Jammu And Kashmir
Travel Buses in Safe Zone
Following the directives of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Emergency Operation Center ensured the safety of the stranded tourists. Commissioner Pandey stated that the travel buses carrying passengers from Gujarat were stationed in a safe zone, away from the landslide-prone areas. He also confirmed that all travelers are safe and have been provided with food and water by army personnel. Accommodation and meals have been arranged at army camps.
State Government in Action
Gujarat Minister Rishikesh Patel informed that the state government has been in constant communication with the Jammu & Kashmir administration. CM Bhupendra Patel personally spoke to officials to facilitate the relocation of the stranded tourists to safer areas. Coordination with local SPs and district collectors is ongoing to ensure proper arrangements for lodging and meals. The Gujarat government is actively working with J&K authorities to bring back the stranded citizens.
Soaring Airfares and Fatalities Reported
Heavy rainfall on the Jammu-Srinagar highway led to severe flooding and landslides in the Ramban-Banihal stretch, causing several trucks to get stuck and at least three reported deaths. Some vehicles reportedly fell into nearby gorges. This led to hours-long traffic jams, prompting Kashmir Police to advise travelers from Jammu to return immediately and those from Srinagar to stay in nearby shelters. More than 1,000 tourists from Gujarat were caught in the disruption.