Lone khalid cni
Udhampur, cni: Tourists visiting the popular hill resort of Patnitop faced severe inconvenience on Saturday following massive snowfall, with several roads blocked and vehicles trapped in deep snow, officials and locals said.

Heavy snowfall in the area led to accumulation of snow on roads, resulting in traffic coming to a complete standstill at multiple points. Several tourist vehicles were seen stuck in deep snow, leaving passengers stranded for hours amid freezing conditions.

Tourists alleged that snow clearance operations were either delayed or absent, worsening the situation on key stretches leading to and within Patnitop. Many visitors said they were forced to remain inside their vehicles as movement became impossible due to slippery and snowbound roads.

Officials said the sudden and intense snowfall caught both travellers and authorities off guard, while adverse weather conditions continued to hamper immediate clearance efforts. The lack of timely snow removal further aggravated difficulties for tourists unfamiliar with driving in such conditions.

The situation triggered frustration among stranded tourists, who urged authorities to expedite snow clearance and regulate vehicular movement during heavy snowfall to avoid such chaos.

Authorities said efforts are being made to deploy snow clearance machinery and restore road connectivity once weather conditions permit. Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to snowbound areas and follow official advisories to ensure safety. [Cni]