SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained very slow over the past 24 hours due to single-lane stretches, uneven road surfaces and vehicle breakdowns, prompting the Traffic Police to advise commuters to undertake journeys during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, very slow traffic movement was observed between 4 pm on November 4 and 4 pm on November 5 due to a single-lane, undulating and uneven road surface at Dawal in Udhampur, besides the single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The breakdown of three vehicles between Marog and Nachlana also affected traffic movement.
The Traffic Police said the movement of nomadic herds on the Marog-Kishtwari Pather stretch was likely to slow down traffic further. Commuters have been advised to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking.
Traffic was regulated at Dawal, where approximately 30 to 40 metres of the highway is single-lane.
Passengers and light motor vehicle (LMV) operators have been advised to prefer daytime travel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway and avoid night journeys due to the possibility of shooting stones and landslides, movement of nomadic herds from the Valley and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Meanwhile, in view of widening work being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) along the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will remain restricted during daytime between 7 am and 7 pm. The restriction has been imposed as tankers carrying inflammable material are not permitted to pass through tunnels.
The Traffic Police said tankers moving towards Kashmir would be allowed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am, and advised operators to plan their journeys accordingly.
Goods carrier operators transporting fresh perishables and livestock have also been advised to load their vehicles in accordance with advisories issued by the Traffic Police, keeping in view the risk of shooting stones, landslides and construction-related disruptions between Ramban and Banihal.
Heavy motor vehicle (HMV) owners and operators have been asked to avoid overloading, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and carry sufficient fuel before undertaking the journey. Commuters have also been advised against unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide- and shooting stone-prone areas.
Traffic plan for November 6
For November 6, subject to favourable weather and improved road conditions, passenger LMVs, private cars, passenger vehicles and goods-carrying HMVs will be permitted to ply on NH-44 in both directions, from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice versa.
The Traffic Police said Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu and Srinagar would coordinate with the TCU Ramban regarding the road conditions. Security Forces convoys will also be allowed to move in both directions, subject to favourable weather and road conditions, after confirming the highway status with the TCU Ramban.
Other roads
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag National Highway (NH-244), passenger LMVs and private cars will be allowed to travel in both directions, subject to favourable weather, good road conditions and clearance from road maintenance agencies (NHIDCL).
As per the prescribed schedule, vehicles will be permitted from PP Parana towards Anantnag between 8 am and 4 pm, while traffic from Daksum towards Kishtwar will be allowed between 9 am and 4 pm. No vehicle will be permitted after the respective cut-off timings.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, also known as the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) road, LMVs will be allowed to ply in both directions, subject to favourable weather, good road conditions and clearance from road maintenance agencies.
Vehicles from Sonamarg towards Kargil and from Minamarg towards Srinagar will be allowed up to 1 pm. Heavy motor vehicles will be permitted from Minamarg towards Srinagar between noon and 5 pm, with no vehicle allowed after 5 pm.
Motorists have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains for better grip on slippery stretches. Security Forces convoys have also been asked to plan their movement in a manner that does not disrupt civilian traffic.
On the Mughal Road (NH-701A), light motor vehicles followed by heavy motor vehicles with a maximum of 10 tyres will be allowed to ply in both directions, subject to favourable weather, good road conditions and clearance from the road maintenance agency, GREF.
Vehicles will be permitted from Chandimarh (Baffliaz) towards Shopian and from Herpora (Shopian) towards Poonch between 7 am and 6 pm. No vehicle will be allowed to proceed after the prescribed cut-off timings.
The Traffic Police has advised commuters to confirm road conditions with the respective Traffic Control Units before starting their journeys.
For assistance, commuters can contact the Traffic Control Units at Jammu (0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732 or 103), Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091 or 103), Ramban (9419993745 or 1800-180-7043), Udhampur (8491928625), PCR Kishtwar (9906154100) and PCR Kargil (9541002330 or 0541002331).
