SRINAGAR: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) moved very slowly due to single-lane stretches, uneven road surfaces and vehicle breakdowns, prompting the Traffic Police to advise commuters to travel during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, slow movement was observed between 4 pm on October 12 and 4 pm on October 13 at Dawal in Udhampur and along the Marog-Kishtwari Pather stretch. The movement of 25 nomadic herds crossing the Banihal-Nachlana area and the breakdown of three vehicles between Marog and Ramsoo further affected traffic flow.
The police said traffic was being regulated at Dawal, where a single-lane stretch of approximately 30–40 metres was affecting movement. Traffic on the Marog-Kishtwari Pather section is also likely to remain slow due to the continued movement of nomadic herds.
For Wednesday, October 14, the authorities have allowed light motor vehicles (LMVs), passenger vehicles, private cars and heavy motor vehicles carrying goods to travel in both directions on NH-44, subject to fair weather and improved road conditions. The Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with the Ramban control unit to monitor the highway’s condition.
Security Forces vehicles will also be permitted to move in both directions, subject to favourable weather and road conditions. Their movement will depend on confirmation of the highway’s status from the Traffic Control Unit in Ramban.
The Traffic Police have urged motorists to maintain lane discipline and refrain from overtaking or driving in the wrong lane, warning that such violations could lead to congestion.
Passengers and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to undertake their journeys during the day and avoid night travel because of the risk of shooting stones and landslides, the movement of nomadic herds towards the Valley and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Motorists have also been asked to avoid unnecessary stops along the Ramban-Banihal stretch, particularly near areas vulnerable to landslides and shooting stones.
Restrictions on oil and gas tankers
The movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will remain restricted during daytime between 7 am and 7 pm on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla section of NH-44 due to widening work being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The restriction has been imposed because tankers carrying inflammable materials are not permitted to pass through tunnels. Up-bound tankers will be allowed to proceed beyond Chenani only after 5 pm, with the permitted movement window extending until 5 am.
Tanker operators have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly. Operators of goods vehicles transporting fresh perishable commodities and livestock have also been asked to follow advisories issued by the Traffic Police, given the risk of landslides and shooting stones and the ongoing construction work.
Heavy motor vehicle operators and owners have been urged to avoid overloading, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and carry sufficient fuel before setting out on NH-44.
Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), light motor vehicles, including passenger vehicles and private cars, will be allowed to travel in both directions, subject to favourable weather, suitable road conditions and clearance from the road maintenance agency, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Vehicles travelling from Parana towards Anantnag will be permitted between 8 am and 4 pm, while those travelling from Daksum towards Kishtwar will be allowed between 9 am and 4 pm. No vehicle will be permitted to proceed beyond the prescribed cut-off times.
The arrangement is being implemented in accordance with orders issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Chatroo and Kokernag on July 9, 2026.
Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, also known as the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) road, light motor vehicles will be allowed in both directions, subject to fair weather, suitable road conditions and clearance from the road maintenance agencies.
Vehicles travelling from Sonamarg towards Kargil and from Minamarg towards Srinagar will be permitted to move until 1 pm, after the required clearance is received. Heavy motor vehicles will be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil between noon and 5 pm. No vehicle will be permitted to proceed after 5 pm.
Motorists have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains to improve tyre grip on slippery road surfaces. Security Forces convoys have been directed to plan their movement in a manner that does not disrupt civilian traffic.
Mughal Road movement
On Mughal Road (NH-701A), light motor vehicles followed by heavy motor vehicles with a maximum of 10 tyres will be allowed to travel in both directions between Poonch and Shopian, subject to favourable weather, good road conditions and clearance from the road maintenance agency, the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF).
Vehicles will be permitted to move from Chandimarh in Buffliaz towards Shopian and from Herpora in Shopian towards Poonch between 7 am and 6 pm. No vehicle will be allowed to proceed after the prescribed cut-off time.
The arrangement follows an order issued by the District Magistrate, Shopian, on July 3, 2026.
The Traffic Police have advised commuters to confirm road conditions with the relevant Traffic Control Units before starting their journeys.
The Jammu control room can be contacted on 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732 or 103; Srinagar on 0194-2450022, 0194-2485396, 18001807091 or 103; Ramban on 9419993745 or 1800-180-7043; Udhampur on 8491928625; PCR Kishtwar on 9906154100; and PCR Kargil on 9541902330 or 9541902331.
