SRINAGAR: Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, has issued a detailed traffic advisory for September 2, cautioning commuters about slow movement, ongoing road construction and possible disruptions along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and other major routes.
According to the advisory, very slow traffic was observed on NH-44 between August 31 and September 1 due to single-lane movement at several stretches, including areas where widening work is underway. Traffic has also been managed in a regulated manner at Dawal in Udhampur due to a single-lane stretch of around 30-40 metres.
The Traffic Police said commuters should undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the roads, particularly in view of the weather forecast and the possibility of rainfall over the coming days.
Passengers and motorists have been advised to avoid night travel on NH-44 between Jammu and Srinagar, particularly due to the possibility of shooting stones and landslides as well as ongoing construction work between Banihal and Qazigund.
The advisory also said movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers on the Digdole-Khooni Nalla stretch would remain restricted during specified hours due to the movement of inflammable material through tunnels. Tanker operators have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
Traffic Police further advised goods-carrier operators transporting fresh perishable commodities and livestock to ensure that vehicles are loaded as per the applicable policy and that sufficient precautions are taken during movement.
Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) operators have also been asked to keep sufficient fuel in their vehicles while undertaking journeys on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, particularly amid possible delays caused by road conditions.
Commuters have been advised to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, especially near landslide-prone stretches.
Traffic Plan For September 2
Subject to favourable weather and road conditions, Light Motor Vehicles, private cars and light commercial vehicles carrying goods will be allowed to ply in both directions on the Jammu-Srinagar NH-44.
For the Army/SF convoy movement, vehicles will be allowed on both sides of the Jammu-Srinagar NH-44, with convoy movement regulated according to prevailing road conditions and after confirmation from Traffic Control Units.
On the Srinagar-Leh highway (NH-1), traffic movement has also been regulated based on road and weather conditions. Vehicles will be permitted between Sonamarg and Kargil, subject to clearance and prevailing conditions, while commuters have been asked to confirm the status of the road before starting their journey.
Traffic Police said commuters should follow instructions issued by the concerned traffic authorities and avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather or poor road conditions.
The advisory urged motorists to confirm the status of the road from Traffic Control Units before undertaking journeys.
Traffic Control Unit contacts: Jammu — 0191-2459040/0191-2455190; Srinagar — 0194-2450022, 2485396; Ramban — 9419199375, 18001807109; Udhampur — 01992-270089; Kishtwar PCR — 9906515400; Kargil PCR — 9541902331
