SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police on Wednesday issued a detailed traffic advisory for August 28 and 29, asking commuters to exercise caution while travelling on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in view of forecast rainfall, poor visibility and the possibility of landslides.
The advisory follows severe traffic congestion witnessed on the highway over the past few days, particularly between Ramban and Banihal, where slow vehicle movement, road repair works and weather-related disruptions led to long delays.
According to the Traffic Police, maintenance work at the Mehar Tunnel on NH-44 and traffic regulation near Banihal are expected to affect vehicular movement. Authorities also warned of shooting stones, mudslides and slippery road conditions along vulnerable stretches between Ramban and Banihal.
Commuters travelling towards Doda, Kishtwar and Bhaderwah have been advised to use the old road via Patnitop instead of NH-44. Motorists have also been asked to avoid unnecessary halts in landslide-prone areas, particularly near Ramban and Banihal.
Passenger vehicles and light motor vehicles (LMVs) have been advised to travel during the daytime, with night travel discouraged due to low visibility and the risk of shooting stones. Traffic officials said vehicle movement on the highway would remain subject to weather conditions and road clearance.
The advisory also prescribes cut-off timings for private vehicles. Traffic from Nagrota towards Srinagar will be allowed between 7 am and 12 noon, while vehicles from Jakheni (Udhampur) can proceed towards Srinagar from 8 am to 1 pm. Traffic from Qazigund towards Jammu will be permitted between 11:30 am and 5:30 pm. No vehicle will be allowed to cross the designated points after the cut-off timings.
Authorities have reiterated that overloading of passenger and goods vehicles will invite strict action. Heavy vehicles, including load carriers, will be regulated according to prevailing road and weather conditions.
The Traffic Police have urged commuters to check the latest road status through the Traffic Police social media handles or the Traffic Control Unit before beginning their journey, as movement on NH-44 will remain dependent on real-time weather and road conditions.
