SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police has issued a detailed traffic advisory for Wednesday, cautioning commuters about slow movement on parts of National Highway-44 (NH-44), inclement weather and ongoing road construction.
The advisory said very slow traffic movement was observed on NH-44 between 4 pm on October 5 and 4 pm on October 6 due to single-lane and uneven road stretches at Dawal in Udhampur and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The situation was also affected by the breakdown of four vehicles between Nashri and Ramsoo and the movement of 11 nomadic herds crossing Banihal-Nachlana.
Traffic on the Marog-Kishtwari Pather stretch is likely to remain slow because of the continued movement of nomadic herds. Motorists have been advised to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking.
The Traffic Police also advised people to confirm road conditions with the concerned Traffic Control Units before travelling in view of an India Meteorological Department forecast of rainfall tonight and tomorrow.
On NH-44, traffic was being regulated at Dawal, Udhampur, where a single-lane stretch of around 30-40 metres is in place.
Passengers and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to undertake journeys on the Jammu-Srinagar highway during daylight hours and avoid night travel due to the possibility of shooting stones and landslides, movement of nomadic herds from the Valley and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
The advisory further said movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers would remain restricted on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch during daytime from 7 am to 7 pm because of widening works being carried out by the National Highways Authority of India. Loaded tankers carrying inflammable material are restricted from passing through tunnels.
Accordingly, up tankers will be permitted beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am. Tanker operators have been asked to plan their journeys accordingly.
The Traffic Police has also advised goods carriers transporting fresh perishables or livestock to follow the advisories issued from time to time. Heavy motor vehicle operators have been asked to avoid overloading, carry sufficient fuel and ensure their vehicles are fit for the journey.
Commuters have also been advised against unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near areas vulnerable to landslides and shooting stones.
Traffic plan for October 7
Subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, passenger light motor vehicles, private cars and goods-carrying heavy motor vehicles will be permitted to travel in both directions on NH-44 between Jammu and Srinagar. Security Forces vehicles will also be allowed in both directions after confirmation of road conditions from the Traffic Control Unit at Ramban.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), light motor vehicles will be allowed in both directions, subject to favourable weather, road conditions and a green signal from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Vehicles will be permitted from PP Parana towards Anantnag between 8 am and 4 pm and from Dakaum towards Kishtwar between 9 am and 4 pm. No vehicle will be permitted after the prescribed cut-off times.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, light motor vehicles will be allowed in both directions subject to weather and road conditions and clearance from the road maintenance agencies. Vehicles will be permitted from Sonamarg towards Kargil and Minamarg towards Srinagar up to 1 pm.
Heavy motor vehicles will be permitted from Minamarg towards Srinagar between noon and 5 pm, with no movement allowed after 5 pm. Motorists have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains on slippery stretches.
On Mughal Road (NH-701A), vehicular movement will be permitted in both directions, subject to fair weather, road conditions and clearance from the General Reserve Engineer Force. Light motor vehicles followed by heavy motor vehicles of up to 10 tyres will be allowed between 7 am and 6 pm.
Vehicles will move from Chandimarh (Baffilaz) towards Shopian and from Herpora in Shopian towards Poonch. No vehicle will be permitted after the prescribed cut-off time.
The Traffic Police advised commuters to confirm road conditions before starting their journey through the designated Traffic Control Units.
