SRINAGAR: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is being regulated at several stretches following wet weather, road damage and ongoing construction work, the Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, said in its latest advisory.
According to the advisory, traffic was observed moving on a single lane at several locations on NH-44, particularly between Dhalwas and Nachlana, while additional restrictions were in place between Marog and Kishpatri and at other vulnerable stretches.
Traffic is being managed in a regulated manner at Dhalwas in Udhampur district, where the highway has been reduced to a single lane over a stretch of about 30-40 metres.
The Traffic Police advised commuters to undertake journeys on the Jammu-Srinagar highway during the daytime and avoid unnecessary travel at night. Travellers were also asked to remain cautious near landslide- and shooting-stone-prone areas between Ramban and Banihal, where ongoing construction work may cause inconvenience.
Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators carrying fresh/perishable livestock and other goods have been advised to park their vehicles safely away from traffic police checkpoints from time to time. HMV and LMV operators have also been asked to double-check the fitness of their vehicles and carry sufficient fuel before undertaking journeys.
The advisory also urged commuters to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide and shooting-stone-prone areas.
Traffic plan for August 12
For August 12, traffic from Jammu towards Srinagar on NH-44 will be allowed from both sides for Jammu-bound and Srinagar-bound vehicles, subject to road and weather conditions.
Passenger vehicles, HPMVs and private cars will be allowed from both directions, while goods carriers will be permitted on the highway in accordance with the prevailing traffic plan. The Traffic Police cautioned motorists against overtaking and wrong-side driving.
On the Jammu-Srinagar highway, Army and other security force convoy movement will be permitted from both sides, subject to weather and road conditions. Security forces have been asked to inform the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Ramban about the status of NH-44 before movement.
Restrictions on Srinagar-Leh, Mughal Road
On the Srinagar-Leh highway (NH-01), traffic from Srinagar towards Sonamarg and vice versa will be allowed for LMVs after receiving the green signal from the Sonamarg traffic control unit, subject to road and weather conditions. However, the movement of heavy vehicles will be restricted.
For the Mughal Road (NH-701A), traffic between Shopian and Poonch will be allowed from both sides for LMVs, subject to clearance from the road maintenance agency and weather conditions. Vehicles will be permitted only after confirmation from the Traffic Control Unit.
The advisory further stated that traffic on the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244 will be regulated according to road and weather conditions, with vehicles allowed to move only after clearance from the concerned traffic authorities.
The Traffic Police advised commuters to confirm the status of the roads before starting their journey.
