SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is likely to be slow at several stretches on Thursday, while the Mughal Road has been closed following the season’s first snowfall, officials said.
The Traffic Police have advised motorists to travel during daylight hours, avoid unnecessary stops and check road conditions before departure, citing the risk of landslides, shooting stones and ongoing construction work.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, traffic on NH-44 moved very slowly 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 between Banihal and Nachlana.
Further delays are expected between Marog and Kishtwari Pather because of the movement of nomadic herds. Traffic is also being regulated at Dawal, where a single-lane section extends for around 30 to 40 metres. Motorists have been asked to maintain lane discipline and refrain from overtaking.
Passenger light motor vehicles, private cars, passenger vehicles and goods carriers will be permitted to travel in both directions on NH-44 on October 15, subject to favourable weather and improved road conditions. Security Forces vehicles may also move in either direction after confirming the highway status with the Traffic Control Unit at Ramban.
Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will face daytime restrictions on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch due to widening work being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India. Tankers carrying inflammable material are restricted from travelling through tunnels, while up-bound tankers will be allowed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
The police have advised goods vehicle operators carrying perishable commodities and livestock to follow the latest traffic advisories. Heavy motor vehicle owners have been asked to avoid overloading, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and carry sufficient fuel. Unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near vulnerable stretches, should be avoided.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), light motor vehicles and private cars will be allowed in both directions, subject to favourable weather, satisfactory road conditions and clearance from maintenance agencies. Vehicles travelling from Parana towards Anantnag will be permitted between 8 am and 4 pm, while those moving from Daksum towards Kishtwar will be allowed between 9 am and 4 pm. No vehicle will be permitted beyond the respective cut-off times.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, light motor vehicles will be allowed in both directions, subject to weather conditions and clearance from road maintenance agencies. Movement from Sonamarg towards Kargil and from Minamarg towards Srinagar will be regulated until 1 pm, subject to the required clearance.
Heavy motor vehicles travelling from Minamarg towards Srinagar will be permitted between noon and 5 pm, with no movement allowed 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 movements without disrupting civilian traffic.
Meanwhile, the Mughal Road has been shut as a precautionary measure following fresh snowfall and slippery conditions.
SO Traffic Mughal Road Mahroof Choudhary confirmed the closure and advised travellers to avoid the route until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared. Restoration work will begin once the snowfall stops and conditions become favourable, he said.
The Traffic Police have asked commuters to verify road conditions with the relevant control rooms before travelling.
The contact numbers listed 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.
