Kashmir Shuts Highway as Chillai Kalan Starts

• Chillai Kalan starts in Kashmir; Srinagar-Leh highway closed due to heavy snowfall.
• Chillai Kalan brings sub-zero temperatures and intense cold waves to the region.
• CM Abdullah says J&K admin is prepared to handle snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir.

The 40-day harsh winter period known as Chillai Kalan began in Kashmir on Saturday, as heavy snowfall in higher reaches led to the temporary suspension of traffic on the Srinagar–Leh national highway, officials said.

Chillai Kalan, which starts on December 21 and continues till January 31, is considered the coldest phase of winter in the Valley. The period is marked

by sub-zero temperatures, intense cold waves, frozen water bodies and frequent snowfall, often disrupting normal life and connectivity.

VIDEO | Kargil, Ladakh: Chillai Kalan begins as heavy snowfall hits the region, leading to the temporary suspension of traffic on the Srinagar–Leh highway.#ChillaiKalan #KargilSnowfall #WinterInLadakh

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/nqMxX81sH4

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 21, 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Saturday that the administration is fully prepared to handle the snowfall during Chillai Kalan, reported PTI. Chairing a review meeting on winter preparedness for both the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley, Abdullah said all necessary arrangements have been put in place.

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“I took a review of both divisions, especially areas where snowfall is expected - all districts in the Valley and higher reaches of Jammu. The administration has finalised all preparations, but whether these will suffice will be known once snowfall begins,” he told reporters, cited PTI.

The chief minister also expressed hope that the fresh precipitation would help reduce air pollution levels and give a boost to winter tourism in the Union Territory.

With Chillai Kalan setting in, residents are bracing for severe cold conditions in the coming weeks.