SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is likely to remain slow at vulnerable stretches due to single-lane roads, ongoing construction work and the movement of nomadic herds, with the Traffic Police advising commuters to avoid night travel.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, very slow movement was recorded on NH-44 between 4 pm on October 20 and 4 pm on October 21 due to a single-lane, uneven road surface at Dewal in Udhampur and another single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The movement was further affected by the breakdown of two vehicles at Ramban and Ramsoo and the crossing of five nomadic herds between Banihal and Nachlana.
The police said traffic was being regulated at Dewal, where a stretch of around 30 to 40 metres is single-lane. Traffic movement between Marog and Kishtwari Pather is also likely to be affected by the continued movement of nomadic herds.
For October 22, subject to favourable weather and improved road conditions, passenger light motor vehicles (LMVs), private cars and heavy motor vehicles carrying goods will be permitted to travel in both directions on NH-44. Security Forces convoys will also be allowed to move in both directions after confirming road conditions with the Traffic Control Unit at Ramban.
The Traffic Police has advised commuters to undertake journeys during daylight hours and avoid night travel because of the risk of shooting stones and landslides, the movement of nomadic herds and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal. Motorists have also been asked to maintain lane discipline, avoid overtaking and wrong-lane driving, and refrain from unnecessary stops, particularly near vulnerable stretches.
Meanwhile, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will remain restricted on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch during daytime, from 7 am to 7 pm, owing to widening work by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and restrictions on carrying inflammable material through tunnels. Up-bound tankers will be allowed to proceed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), passenger LMVs and private cars will be permitted to move in both directions, subject to favourable weather, road conditions and clearance from road maintenance agencies. Vehicles will be allowed 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 permitted beyond the prescribed cut-off times.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, also known as the SSG road, LMVs will be allowed in both directions after clearance from road maintenance agencies, with movement from Sonamarg towards Kargil and from Minamarg towards Srinagar permitted until 1 pm. Heavy motor vehicles will be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil 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 stretches.
On the Mughal Road (NH-701A), LMVs followed by heavy vehicles with a maximum of 10 tyres will be permitted to travel in both directions, subject to favourable weather, road conditions and clearance from the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF). Vehicles will be allowed from Chandimarh in Poonch towards Shopian and from Herpora in Shopian towards Poonch between 7 am and 6 pm. No vehicle will be allowed after the prescribed cut-off time.
The Traffic Police has urged commuters and transport operators carrying perishable goods and livestock to plan their journeys in accordance with official advisories. Heavy vehicle operators have also been asked to avoid overloading, check vehicle fitness and carry sufficient fuel.
Commuters have been advised to confirm the latest road status with the relevant Traffic Control Units before starting their journeys.
