SRINAGAR: The Traffic Police Headquarters on Sunday issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and other key roads across Jammu and Kashmir in view of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of widespread light to moderate rainfall over the next few days.
The advisory warned that the prevailing weather conditions could trigger landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and flash floods at vulnerable stretches along NH-44 and urged commuters to avoid non-essential travel.
Authorities advised commuters travelling towards Srinagar in private vehicles to use the old road via Jawahar Tunnel to bypass the landslide-prone Nashri-Banihal stretch. Similarly, travellers heading to Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and adjoining areas have been advised to use the old road via Patnitop while travelling from Jammu.
People have also been asked to avoid travelling on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway during daytime due to the apprehension of shooting stones, landslides and sinking zones. Commuters have been urged to follow lane discipline and refrain from overtaking to ensure smooth movement of traffic.
The Traffic Police said Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra convoys from Jammu and Srinagar will be allowed only after an assessment of the road condition. Yatra vehicles will be regulated between Navyug Tunnel and Levdora on the day of convoy movement to facilitate safe passage.
Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) carrying fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishable goods will be allowed to ply only after the movement of Yatra convoys and subject to traffic and weather conditions. Operators have been advised to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit and carry sufficient fuel before undertaking the journey.
HMVs carrying construction material will not be allowed on NH-44 unless specifically permitted by the Traffic Police Headquarters.
According to the advisory, subject to fair weather and road conditions, passenger/private cars will be allowed to ply from both sides of NH-44.
Traffic towards Srinagar will be released from:
Nagrota (Jammu) between 7 am and 12 noon
Jakheni (Udhampur) between 8 am and 1 pm
No vehicle will be allowed to move before or after the notified timings.
Subject to road conditions and the prevailing traffic situation, HMVs carrying fresh fruits and other perishable commodities will be allowed to move from Jakheni towards Srinagar after the closure of passenger traffic. Traffic Police said no HMV will be allowed to move after 6 pm.
Other Roads
Mughal Road: The Shopian-Rajouri-Poonch road will remain closed due to maintenance work.
Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road: Subject to weather and road conditions, one-way traffic towards **Kargil** will be allowed. No vehicle will be permitted from Sonamarg towards Srinagar. Drivers have been advised to carry anti-skid chains owing to the possibility of slippery road conditions.
Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road: The road is open for traffic, subject to weather conditions. HMVs and vehicles carrying livestock or perishable goods will be allowed after assessment by traffic authorities.
Bhaderwah-Chamba Road: The road remains open only for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), subject to weather and road conditions. LMVs travelling towards Jammu will be diverted via the Mughal Road from the Bhaderwah side, while vehicles from Poonch towards Bhaderwah will also use the Mughal Road. Heavy vehicles, including HMVs, Buses and Tankers, will not be allowed on the route.
Traffic Police also said the Doda-Bharth Road is open for traffic while the Doda-Kishtwar Road remains closed due to road damage.
Helpline Numbers
Commuters have been advised to check the latest road status before starting their journey through the following Traffic Control Units:
Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103
Ramban: 9419993745
Udhampur: 8491928625
PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331
The Traffic Police urged commuters to verify the latest road status through the control rooms before undertaking their journey and to cooperate with authorities by following lane discipline and traffic advisories for safe and smooth movement on the highways.
