SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained very slow over the past 24 hours due to single-lane stretches, damaged road surfaces and vehicle breakdowns, prompting the Traffic Police to advise commuters to undertake their journeys during daylight hours.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, slow movement was recorded between 4 pm on November 2 and 4 pm on November 3, particularly at Dawal in Udhampur and along the Marog-Kishtwari Pather stretch. The movement of a nomadic herd across the Banihal-Nachlana section and the breakdown of four vehicles between Ramban and Nachlana also affected traffic flow.
The Traffic Police said the movement of nomadic herds could further slow traffic along the Marog-Kishtwari Pather stretch, advising motorists to maintain lane discipline and refrain from overtaking.
Passengers and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to prefer daytime travel on NH-44 and avoid night journeys because of the risk of shooting stones and landslides, nomadic movement from the Valley and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
In view of widening work being carried out by the National Highways Authority of India on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers carrying inflammable material will remain restricted between 7 am and 7 pm, as such vehicles are not permitted through tunnels. Upward-bound tankers will be allowed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
The advisory also asks operators transporting perishable goods and livestock to follow instructions issued by the Traffic Police. Heavy motor vehicle operators have been advised against overloading and asked to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and carry sufficient fuel.
Motorists have also been urged to avoid unnecessary stops between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide-prone and shooting-stone areas.
For Wednesday, November 4, the Traffic Police has permitted light motor vehicles, passenger vehicles, private cars and goods carriers to travel in both directions on NH-44, subject to favourable weather and improved road conditions. Security Forces vehicles will also be allowed to move in both directions after confirming the highway’s status with the Traffic Control Unit at Ramban.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), light motor vehicles and private cars will be permitted from both sides, subject to favourable weather, good road conditions and clearance from road maintenance agencies.
Vehicles travelling from PP Parana towards Anantnag will be allowed between 8 am and 4 pm, while those moving from Daksum towards Kishtwar can proceed between 9 am and 4 pm. No vehicle will be permitted beyond the prescribed cut-off timings.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, also known as the SSG Road, light motor vehicles will be allowed in both directions, subject to weather and road conditions and clearance from maintenance agencies. Vehicles travelling from Sonamarg towards Kargil and Minamarg towards Srinagar will be permitted until 1 pm.
Heavy motor vehicles will be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar between noon and 5 pm, with no vehicle permitted after the prescribed closing time. Motorists have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains because of slippery road conditions.
The Traffic Police has also stated that Security Forces convoys on the SSG road should be scheduled in a manner that does not disrupt civilian traffic.
On the Mughal Road (NH-701A), light motor vehicles, followed by heavy motor vehicles with a maximum of ten tyres, will be allowed to travel in both directions, subject to favourable weather, good road conditions and clearance from the road maintenance agency, GREF.
Vehicles will be permitted from Chandimarh in Baffliaz towards Shopian and Herpora in Shopian towards Poonch between 7 am and 6 pm. No vehicle will be allowed to proceed after the cut-off time.
The Traffic Police has advised commuters to confirm road conditions with the respective traffic control units before starting their journeys.
