SRINAGAR: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained regulated on Saturday amid poor road conditions at several locations and the forecast of heavy rainfall over the Jammu region in the coming days.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Srinagar, traffic was being regulated on the highway due to a single-lane stretch at Dalwas in Udhampur, where the road surface was uneven. Traffic was also being regulated on the single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwar Pathar due to the breakdown of two vehicles at Digdoal and Ramban.
The advisory said commuters should avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide- and shooting-stone-prone areas.
In view of the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy rainfall over the Jammu region, travellers have been advised to undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the road from the Traffic Control Units.
The Traffic Police said LMVs, passenger vehicles, private cars and good-carrier vehicles would be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar highway during the day, subject to road conditions.
Night travel, however, has been advised against due to the possibility of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing road construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Army and security-force vehicles will also be allowed from both sides, subject to confirmation of the highway’s status from the Traffic Control Unit at Ramban.
The advisory further directed heavy motor vehicle operators carrying fresh or perishable goods and livestock to load their vehicles as per the advice of the Traffic Police Headquarters to avoid instances of vehicles overturning or breakdowns.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan Anantnag road, traffic has been allowed from both sides for stranded vehicles between Sinthan and Kishtwar. Fresh traffic from either side will be allowed only after confirmation of the road status from the Traffic Control Unit.
On the SSG Road, light motor vehicles will be allowed from both sides between Srinagar and Sonamarg, while traffic from Sonamarg towards Kargil and from Minamarg towards Srinagar will be regulated according to road conditions.
The Mughal Road has also been opened for LMVs in both directions after clearance from the road maintenance agency, with commuters advised to confirm the status before undertaking their journey.
Traffic Police have urged motorists to maintain lane discipline, avoid overtaking and ensure sufficient fuel before travelling on the highway.
Commuters have been advised to contact Traffic Control Units in Srinagar, Jammu, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar and other concerned locations before starting their journey.
