SRINAGAR: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is likely to remain slow at several stretches on Saturday due to single-lane road conditions, ongoing construction work and the movement of nomadic herds, the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police said.
In its traffic advisory for October 17, the Traffic Police Headquarters said very slow movement was recorded on NH-44 between 6 pm on October 15 and 6 pm on October 16 due to an uneven road surface and a 30–40-metre single-lane stretch at Dewal in Udhampur, besides another single-lane section between Marog and Kishtwari Pather.
The movement of nine nomadic herds across the Banihal-Nachlana stretch and the breakdown of two vehicles at Marog and Monkey Morh also affected traffic during the period.
The police said traffic on the Marog-Kishtwari Pather stretch could remain slow due to the continued movement of nomadic herds and advised commuters to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking.
For October 17, subject to favourable weather and road conditions, passenger light motor vehicles (LMVs), private cars and goods carriers will be allowed to travel on NH-44 in both directions, between Jammu and Srinagar. Security forces’ vehicles will also be permitted to move in both directions after confirming the highway’s status with the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Ramban.
Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake journeys during daylight and avoid night travel due to the risk of shooting stones and landslides, nomadic movement and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
The advisory also imposes restrictions on Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch during daytime, between 7 am and 7 pm, owing to widening work by the National Highways Authority of India. Loaded tankers carrying inflammable material are restricted from passing through tunnels, and up-bound tankers will be allowed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), passenger LMVs and private cars will be allowed in both directions, subject to favourable weather, suitable road conditions and clearance from the road maintenance agency. Vehicles will be permitted from PP Parana towards Anantnag between 8 am and 4 pm, and from Daksum towards Kishtwar between 9 am and 4 pm. No vehicle will be allowed to proceed after the prescribed cut-off times.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, LMVs will be allowed in both directions, subject to road clearance. Vehicles will be permitted from Sonamarg towards Kargil and Minamarg towards Srinagar until 1 pm. Heavy motor vehicles travelling from Minamarg towards Srinagar will be allowed between noon and 5 pm, with no vehicle permitted after 5 pm. Motorists have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains on slippery roads.
On Mughal Road (NH-701A), LMVs followed by heavy motor vehicles with up to 10 tyres will be allowed in both directions, subject to favourable weather, good road conditions and clearance from the road maintenance agency. Vehicles will be permitted between 7 am and 6 pm from Chandimarh in Poonch towards Shopian and from Herpora in Shopian towards Poonch.
The Traffic Police has also advised owners of goods carriers transporting fresh produce and livestock to follow the prescribed loading guidelines. Heavy vehicle operators have been asked to avoid overloading, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and carry sufficient fuel.
Commuters have been advised against unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide- and shooting stone-prone areas, and urged to confirm road conditions with the relevant traffic control units before starting their journeys.
The Traffic Police can be contacted through the Jammu control room at 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550 or 103; Srinagar at 0194-2450022, 0194-2485396 or 103; Ramban at 9419993745; Udhampur at 8491928625; and PCR Kishtwar at 9906154100.
