SRINAGAR : Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained slow at several stretches, with the Traffic Police issuing a detailed advisory for commuters in view of inclement weather, ongoing highway construction and restrictions on different routes.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, very slow traffic was observed on NH-44 between 4 pm on August 19 and 4 pm on August 20 due to a single-lane stretch, undulating and uneven road surface at Dawal in Udhampur, besides a single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwar Pather and a vehicle breakdown at Kishtwar Pather.
Traffic was being regulated at Dawal on NH-44 due to a single-lane stretch of around 30-40 metres.
In view of the inclement weather conditions forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with a likely spell of rainfall over the next few days, the general public has been advised to undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the road from the Traffic Control Units (TCUs) at Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu.
Commuters have also been advised to check the road status through the J&K Traffic Police’s official social media handles.
Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to preferably travel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway during daytime. Night travel should be avoided due to the apprehension of shooting stones and landslides, besides ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal that may cause inconvenience to commuters.
The Traffic Police said widening work by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was underway along the Digdol-Khooni Nalla axis on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. In view of the ongoing work, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil tankers would remain restricted between 7 am and 7 pm. Tankers carrying inflammable material would also remain restricted through tunnels.
The movement of up-tankers would be allowed beyond Chenani only after 4 pm and up to 7 pm. Tanker operators have been advised to plan their journey accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
Goods carriers carrying fresh and perishable stocks have been advised to load their vehicles as per the advisory issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters, keeping in view the apprehension of shooting stones and landslides as well as ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) operators have been asked to desist from overloading and carry sufficient fuel during their journey on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Vehicle owners have also been advised to double-check the fitness of their vehicles and carry sufficient fuel before undertaking the journey.
Commuters have been advised to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, especially near landslide- and shooting-stone-prone areas.
Traffic plan for August 21
For August 21, LMVs, passengers, HPVs, private cars and HMVs carrying goods will be allowed to ply from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar NH-44, subject to fair weather and better road conditions.
Commuters have been advised to follow lane discipline and avoid overtaking from the wrong lane, as it may cause congestion. The Traffic Control Unit Jammu-Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban regarding the road conditions.
Army/BSF convoy movement: Subject to fair weather and good road conditions, security forces’ vehicles will be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar NH-44—towards Srinagar from Jammu and vice versa. They will move only after confirmation from TCU Ramban.
Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244: Subject to fair weather and good road conditions and after receiving a green signal from the road maintenance agency, LMVs, passengers and private cars will be allowed from both sides on the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road.
Vehicles will be allowed to move from PP Parana towards Anantnag between 8 am and 4 pm and from Daksum towards Kishtwar between 9 am and 4 pm. No vehicle will be allowed after the prescribed cut-off time. TCU Jammu/Ramban and TCU Srinagar will inform all concerned about the cut-off timings.
SSG Road: Subject to fair weather and good road conditions, LMVs will be allowed from both sides on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road—from Srinagar towards Kargil and vice versa.
Vehicles will be allowed to move from Sonamarg towards Kargil and from Minamarg towards Srinagar only after receiving a green signal from the road maintenance agencies and up to 3 pm.
However, HMVs/HGVs will be allowed to move from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 12 noon and 5 pm, and no vehicle will be allowed after 5 pm.
Motorists have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains to gain better grip on the slippery road. TCU Srinagar and PCR Kargil will inform all concerned about the cut-off timings.
Security forces’ convoy movement on the SSG road will be planned in such a manner that civilian traffic is not disturbed.
Mughal Road (NH-701A): Subject to fair weather and good road conditions, and after obtaining clearance from the road maintenance agency, vehicle movement will be allowed on the Mughal Road from both sides.
LMVs followed by HMVs up to 10 tonnes will be allowed from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa. Vehicles will be allowed from Chandimarh towards Shopian and from Herpora in Shopian towards Poonch between 7 am and 6 pm.
No vehicle will be allowed to proceed after the prescribed cut-off timings. As per the orders issued by the District Magistrate, Shopian, the concerned Traffic Control Units in Jammu and Srinagar will inform all concerned regarding the cut-off timings.
The Traffic Police has advised people to undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the road from the concerned Traffic Control Units.
Commuters can contact the following control rooms for road status updates:
Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419177732, 103
Srinagar: 0194-2504022, 2485306, 18001807001, 103
Ramban: 9419903745, 100-180-7049
Udhampur: 8491928625
PCR Kashmir: 9900154100
PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331
