SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained slow on Wednesday due to a single-lane stretch at Dawel in Udhampur, surface damage at Dandwal and the movement of nomadic herds, prompting Traffic Police to issue a detailed advisory for commuters.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, very slow movement was observed between 4 pm on September 16 and 4 pm on September 17 on the NH-44. The situation was also affected by the breakdown of a vehicle at Nachlana and the movement of nomadic herds crossing the highway in Banihal-Nachlana.
With the continued movement of nomadic herds, traffic on the single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwar Pather is likely to remain slow. Commuters have been advised to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking.
The Traffic Police also advised passengers and light motor vehicle operators to prefer travelling on the Jammu-Srinagar highway during daytime. Night travel has been discouraged due to the possibility of shooting stones and landslides, movement of nomadic herds and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
The advisory comes amid an IMD forecast of deteriorating weather conditions and a likely spell of rainfall over the next four days. Commuters have been asked to undertake journeys only after confirming the road status with the Traffic Control Units.
Meanwhile, traffic at Dawel in Udhampur is being managed in a regulated manner due to a single-lane stretch of around 30-40 metres.
The Traffic Police said widening work by NHAI on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch has led to restrictions on the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers.
Loaded oil and gas tankers will remain restricted on the stretch between 7 am and 7 pm, while the movement of tankers carrying inflammable material will be restricted through tunnels. Up tankers will be allowed beyond Chenani only after 5 pm until 6 am, the advisory said.
Tankers have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience and ensure safety.
Goods carriers transporting fresh and other perishable stock have also been advised to load their vehicles according to the Traffic Police timetable to avoid delays caused by shooting stones, landslides and construction activity between Ramban and Banihal.
Heavy motor vehicle operators and owners have been asked to avoid overloading, carry sufficient fuel and ensure that vehicles are roadworthy before undertaking the journey.
Commuters have further been advised to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide- and shooting-stone-prone areas.
Traffic Plan For September 18
For Thursday, September 18, LMVs, passenger vehicles, private cars and good carriers will be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar NH-44, subject to fair weather and good road conditions.
The Traffic Police said vehicles will be allowed only after clearance from the Traffic Control Unit, while commuters have been asked to maintain lane discipline and avoid wrong-lane driving and overtaking.
Security Forces convoys will also be allowed from both sides subject to fair weather and good road conditions, after confirmation from the Traffic Control Unit in Ramban.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244, LMVs will be allowed from both sides after clearance from road maintenance agencies, subject to weather and road conditions. Movement from PP Parana towards Anantnag will be permitted between 8 am and 4 pm, while movement from Dakbum towards Kishtwar will be allowed between 9 am and 4 pm.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road, LMVs will be permitted from both sides subject to fair weather and good road conditions. Vehicles from Srinagar towards Sonamarg will be allowed up to 1 pm, while vehicles from Sonamarg towards Kargil will be allowed between noon and 5 pm after clearance from road maintenance agencies.
HMVs will be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil between noon and 5 pm, with motorists advised to carry anti-skid chains for better grip on slippery stretches.
On the Mughal Road, vehicular movement of LMVs followed by HMVs up to 10 tyres will be allowed from both sides, subject to clearance from the road maintenance agency and fair weather and road conditions.
Vehicles from Poonch towards Shopian will be allowed between 7 am and 6 pm, while those from Heerpora towards Poonch will also be permitted during the same period. No vehicle will be allowed after the prescribed cut-off timings.
The Traffic Police has advised people to confirm the status of the roads before starting their journey through the respective Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur and Kishtwar, besides PCR Kishtwar and PCR Kargil.
