JAMMU: Massive road clearance operations were underway to restore traffic on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway and other key roads which remained closed for the second day on Saturday due to slippery conditions at different stretches following snowfall, officials said.

Hundreds of commuters were evacuated to safety and provided food and shelter by the Army, police and civil administration after they were left stranded on the 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, the officials said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, traffic National highway (Banihal), S P Singh said snow clearance operations on NH44 are in the final stages and the stranded vehicles on both sides will be cleared on priority.