SRINAGAR: In preparation for the annual Amarnath yatra in the Kashmir valley, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway will be closed to traffic on Friday, according to an official statement on Wednesday.
Ramban Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mussarat Islam issued an advisory declaring a ‘no traffic day’ on NH-44, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country. The closure is necessary to facilitate repair and maintenance work by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). The closure is expected to help expedite the ongoing preparations for the yatra, which is set to begin on July 1. The first batch of pilgrims will depart from the Jammu base camp at Bhagwati Nagar on June 30.
To address the issues faced by commuters on the highway, such as traffic jams and hazardous conditions at landslide-prone areas like Dalwas, Cafeteria Morh, and Nachlana, overloaded or misfit heavy motor vehicles are also prohibited from plying on the highway. Violators will face action from the traffic police.
Additionally, the deputy commissioner provided an update on the progress of construction work. The remaining portion of the 1.06 km Ramban flyover is nearing completion. Once operational, the flyover will alleviate traffic congestion in Ramban market.
The closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway on June 23 aims to facilitate repair and maintenance activities, ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of commuters.
