The chances of finding them alive were slim, Lohia said.
Seven bodies have already been pulled from the heap of boulders, rocks and loose earth, Lohia said.
The landslide was apparently triggered by the construction work, when part of the mountain was sliced off to make way for the new road, he said.
The all-weather highway was to connect the Kashmir valley with Jammu, the state's winter capital. Construction work on the new highway resumed this week after four months of harsh winter, Lohia said.
Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. The landslide occurred on the Indian side.
