SRINAGAR: The Traffic Department on Friday issued an advisory warning of possible slow movement on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) on May 23 due to single-lane stretches, ongoing construction work and the movement of nomadic herds.
Officials said traffic on the highway remained sluggish between May 21 and May 22, particularly on the Marog–Kishtwari Pather stretch, due to single-lane restrictions, breakdown of two heavy vehicles at Dalwas, and the movement of eight nomadic herds between Nachlana and Banihal.
The advisory stated that additional movement of nomadic herds is expected on Saturday in the Marog–Kishtwari Pather sector, which may further affect traffic flow. Commuters have been advised to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking.
Authorities have recommended daytime travel on NH-44 and cautioned against night journeys due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides, livestock movement and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Subject to weather and road conditions, all categories of vehicles, including light motor vehicles, passenger vehicles, private cars, heavy motor vehicles and goods carriers, will be permitted from both Jammu and Srinagar sides. Security convoy movement will be facilitated after coordination with the Traffic Control Unit Ramban.
On the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road (NH-244), only light motor vehicles and private cars will be allowed from Srinagar towards Kishtwar via Daksum and Sinthan Top, subject to weather clearance. Vehicle movement from Daksum will be permitted between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm, after which no movement will be allowed.
On the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri (SSG) road, light motor vehicles will be allowed from both Srinagar and Kargil sides till 1 pm, subject to clearance from maintenance agencies. Heavy motor vehicles will be permitted from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 12 noon and 3 pm. Drivers have been advised to carry anti-skid chains due to slippery conditions.
The Mughal Road will remain open for light and heavy motor vehicles up to six tyres from both sides, subject to favourable weather conditions. Vehicles from Chandimarh towards Shopian will be allowed between 9 am and 5 pm, while traffic from Herpora towards Poonch will be permitted between 10 am and 5 pm after clearance from GREF authorities.
The department has advised commuters to check the latest traffic and road status before undertaking travel through respective Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar and Kargil.
