SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive advisory for commuters planning to travel on major highways on Sunday, May 5, as road clearance and weather conditions continue to dictate vehicular movement across the region.
On the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), including passenger and private cars, will be allowed to ply in both directions—Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa—subject to fair weather and improved road conditions. However, Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs), especially those carrying goods, will only be allowed to move from Qazigund towards Jammu through the NAVYUG Tunnel, and that too only after a real-time assessment of the road situation. No HMV will be permitted to move from Qazigund after 4 pm.
Saturday saw slow traffic movement along the route due to a combination of factors, including three HMV breakdowns, the movement of nomadic livestock herds, ongoing four-lane construction work, and existing single-lane stretches at Dalwas, Mehad, and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. Traffic was managed in a regulated fashion at Mehad, Cafeteria, and Ramban, where the carriageway narrows to just 150 to 200 metres in sections.
Traffic authorities have urged all commuters to maintain strict lane discipline, avoid overtaking, and refrain from wrong-lane driving, which could further aggravate congestion. LMV and passenger vehicle operators are advised to travel during daylight hours, especially between Ramban and Banihal, where there remains a risk of shooting stones.
Operators of goods carriers transporting perishable items or livestock have been specifically advised to ensure proper loading as per existing guidelines, and to carry adequate fuel due to poor road conditions at several stretches, including Dalwas and Mehad. The authorities have reiterated the importance of checking vehicle fitness before undertaking the journey.
For HMVs, only those with six or ten tyres will be permitted to travel via the Dhar Road.
On the Srinagar-Kargil route (SSG Road), subject to fair weather and clearance from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), LMVs followed by HMVs will be allowed from Kargil towards Srinagar between 9:00 am and 11:30 am. Later in the day, LMVs will be permitted to travel from Srinagar to Kargil between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. No traffic will be allowed after the cutoff timings.
Similarly, the Mughal Road is open for LMVs in both directions—Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa. Local livestock-carrying HMVs (up to six tyres) will be allowed to travel from Poonch to Shopian between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm via Behramgala (Baffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian).
The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244) remains subject to clearance by NHIDCL, while the Bhaderwah-Chamba road continues to be closed due to snow accumulation.
Security Forces have been requested to avoid movement against the prescribed traffic plan, particularly between Nashree and Banihal, where the road narrows significantly.
Commuters are strongly advised to confirm the latest status of roads before undertaking any travel. Traffic Control Units can be contacted at the following helpline numbers:
Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103
Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
Udhampur: 8491928625
PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331
PCR Ganderbal: 9906668731
Real-time updates are also available on the official J&K Traffic Police Twitter handle and Facebook page.
