SRINAGAR: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) will remain regulated at several stretches on Monday, with authorities advising commuters to undertake journeys only after confirming the latest road conditions.
According to the traffic advisory issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, the highway was open for two-way traffic on Sunday, but several stretches were operating on a single-lane basis due to ongoing road work and other restrictions.
At Dawal in Udhampur, traffic was being regulated on a single-lane stretch of around 30-40 metres. Similarly, movement between Ramban and Banihal was being managed through a single lane.
The advisory said passengers and Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) should preferably undertake journeys on the Jammu-Srinagar highway during daytime. Night travel between Ramban and Banihal has been advised against as road widening work is continuing at multiple locations.
The Traffic Police said widening work at Kishtwar Pattan and other locations was underway, while NH-44 remained single-lane at several points. Commuters have been asked to exercise caution, particularly near work zones.
Traffic authorities also cautioned heavy goods vehicle (HMV) operators against overloading and advised them to ensure that their vehicles carry sufficient fuel before undertaking the journey.
For Monday, traffic from Jammu towards Srinagar on NH-44 will be allowed subject to fair weather and good road conditions. LMVs, passenger vehicles and private cars will be permitted to move towards Srinagar after confirming the status of the road from the Traffic Control Unit (TCU).
The advisory said security forces’ convoys moving on the Jammu-Srinagar highway would be allowed from both sides only after confirmation of road conditions.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag route, traffic will be allowed from both sides subject to weather and road conditions, while movement from Anantnag towards Kishtwar and vice versa will be regulated after confirmation from the Traffic Control Unit.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road, LMVs will be allowed from both sides subject to fair weather and good road conditions. However, the movement of LMVs will remain restricted during certain hours due to ongoing road maintenance work.
The advisory said no vehicle would be allowed to move beyond Sonamarg towards Zero Point before 7 am, while vehicles would be allowed to move towards Sonamarg from Zero Point after 11 am, subject to road conditions.
On the Mughal Road, traffic will be allowed from both sides after confirmation of road clearance and weather conditions. LMVs will be permitted to move from both sides, while heavy vehicles will not be allowed.
The Traffic Police has advised commuters to confirm the status of the road before embarking on journeys. Updates can be obtained from the Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur and PCR Kashmir.
