SRINAGAR: Traffic authorities have issued an advisory for August 11, cautioning commuters against unnecessary travel on vulnerable stretches of major highways in Jammu and Kashmir amid a forecast of rainfall over the next few days.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, traffic movement remained slow between 4 pm on August 9 and 4 pm on August 10 due to single-lane, undulating and uneven road surfaces at Dawal in Udhampur and the single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishwat Pather on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The authorities said the weather forecast by the India Meteorological Department indicated a likelihood of rainfall over the next few days, and the general public was advised to undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the road from traffic control units. The advisory has also been shared through the traffic police’s social media platforms.
Traffic was also regulated at Dawal on the NH-44, where a single-lane stretch of around 30-40 metres is operational. Passenger and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to plan their journeys on the Jammu-Srinagar highway during daytime and avoid travelling at night, particularly on the Ramban-Banihal section, where ongoing construction work may cause inconvenience.
Heavy goods vehicle operators carrying fresh perishable items have been advised to load their vehicles as per the instructions issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters, in view of the possibility of shooting stones and landslides along the ongoing construction stretch between Ramban and Banihal.
The traffic police has also advised heavy motor vehicle drivers and operators to desist from overloading and carry sufficient fuel while travelling on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, particularly in view of the frequent traffic diversions. Commuters have been advised to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, especially near landslide and shooting-stone-prone areas.
Traffic plan for August 11
On the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, passenger vehicles, light motor vehicles and private cars will be allowed from both sides, subject to fair weather and road conditions. Traffic authorities said they would coordinate with the Traffic Control Unit in Ramban regarding the prevailing road conditions.
Army and security-force convoy movement will also be regulated. Convoys will be allowed from both sides of the highway between Jammu and Srinagar only after confirmation of the road status from the Traffic Control Room in Ramban.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road, authorities said the road was being monitored in view of bad weather and poor road conditions, with vehicles advised to move only after confirmation from the Traffic Control Unit. The advisory also mentioned restrictions on movement towards Sinthan Top depending on weather and road conditions.
On the SSG Road, LMVs will be allowed subject to fair weather and road conditions. Vehicles travelling from Srinagar towards Kargil and vice versa will be regulated according to the prevailing road situation, while no vehicle movement will be permitted after the prescribed cut-off timings.
Similarly, on the Mughal Road, traffic movement will remain subject to fair weather and road conditions. Authorities said LMVs would be allowed between 7 am and 7 pm, while no vehicle would be permitted to proceed after the prescribed cut-off time.
The Traffic Police has urged commuters to undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the road and to strictly follow traffic advisories.
Traffic Control Room numbers: Jammu — 0191-2459048/0191-2740550; Srinagar — 0194-2500022/2485398; Ramban — 9419993747/1800-1800-1093; Udhampur — 8491892625; PCR Kishtwar — 9906154100; PCR Kargil — 9541902331.
