SRINAGAR: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is likely to face delays at several stretches on Thursday, October 15, with the Traffic Police advising motorists to travel during daylight hours, avoid unnecessary halts and check road conditions before setting out amid the risk of landslides, shooting stones and ongoing construction work.
The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, said very slow traffic movement was recorded on NH-44 between 6 pm on October 13 and 6 pm on October 14 due to single-lane restrictions and an uneven road surface at Dawal in Udhampur, another single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, six vehicle breakdowns between Marog and Nachlana, and the movement of eight nomadic herds across the Banihal-Nachlana stretch.
Traffic is likely to slow further between Marog and Kishtwari Pather because of the continued movement of nomadic herds. The police have asked commuters to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking. Traffic at Dawal is also being regulated because of a single-lane section measuring around 30 to 40 metres.
For October 15, passenger light motor vehicles, private cars, passenger vehicles and goods carriers will be allowed to travel in both directions on NH-44, subject to favourable weather and improved road conditions. Security Forces vehicles will also be permitted to move in either direction after confirming the highway status with the Traffic Control Unit at Ramban.
The police have advised passengers and light motor vehicle operators to prefer daytime journeys, citing the risk of landslides and shooting stones, movement of nomadic groups from the Valley and construction work between Ramban and Banihal. Motorists have been warned that overtaking and driving in the wrong lane could lead to congestion.
Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will face daytime movement restrictions on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch because of widening work being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India. The movement of tankers carrying inflammable material through tunnels is restricted, and up-bound tankers will be allowed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am. Operators have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
Goods vehicle operators carrying perishable commodities or livestock have been asked to follow advisories issued by the Traffic Police. Heavy motor vehicle owners have also been urged to avoid overloading, check their vehicles’ fitness and carry sufficient fuel. Unnecessary stops between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide-prone and shooting-stone areas, should be avoided.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), light motor vehicles and private cars will be permitted in both directions, subject to favourable weather, good road conditions and clearance from road maintenance agencies. Vehicles will be allowed from 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, light motor vehicles will be permitted in both directions, subject to favourable weather, good road conditions and clearance from maintenance agencies. Movement from Sonamarg towards Kargil and from Minamarg towards Srinagar will be regulated up to 1 pm, with the required clearance. Heavy motor vehicles travelling from Minamarg towards Srinagar will be allowed between noon and 5 pm. No vehicle will be permitted after 5 pm. Motorists have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains on slippery stretches, while Security Forces have been asked to schedule convoy movement without disrupting civilian traffic.
On Mughal Road (NH-701A), light motor vehicles followed by heavy vehicles with a maximum of 10 tyres will be allowed in both directions, subject to favourable weather, good road conditions and clearance from the General Reserve Engineer Force. Vehicles will be permitted from Chandimarh in Baffliaz 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 Traffic Police have urged commuters to confirm the status of roads with the relevant control rooms before travelling. The contact numbers provided in the advisory are Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732 and 103; Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091 and 103; Ramban: 9419993745 and 1800-180-7043; Udhampur: 8491928625; PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100; and PCR Kargil: 9541902330 and 9541902331.
