SRINAGAR: SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir Ravinder Paul Singh on Friday urged commuters and tourists to strictly adhere to traffic advisories amid heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, warning that unnecessary travel could lead to serious inconvenience and safety risks.
Speaking to the media at Qazigund, SSP Singh said, “As you can see, it is snowing heavily right now. Around the Navyug Tunnel area, there is nearly four inches of snow, while Banihal and adjoining stretches have accumulated more than two feet of snow.”
He said the Traffic Police has issued fresh advisories for the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, hilly terrains and major tourist destinations. “We have released advisories for the National Highway, internal roads and tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam. Heavy snowfall has led to massive accumulation, and road conditions are extremely slippery,” he said.
The SSP said traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway will remain completely suspended for the day. “Those planning to travel towards or from Jammu should strictly follow today’s advisory and the daily updates issued by Traffic Headquarters. Travel plans should be made only after checking the advisory tomorrow morning,” he said.
He further said that traffic movement towards Gulmarg from Tangmarg has been stopped, while only downhill traffic from Gulmarg to Srinagar is being allowed on priority. “The situation is similar in Sonamarg and Pahalgam stretches, where heavy snowfall is continuing,” he added.
SSP Singh said vehicles without anti-skid chains will not be allowed to ply. “Keeping anti-skid mechanisms is mandatory. Without them, no vehicle will be permitted,” he said, adding that connectivity has been affected in several areas including Machil, Tangdhar, Sadhna, Rajdhan, Sinthan Pass, SSG Road and Mughal Road.
He appealed to commuters to avoid unnecessary movement. “Roads are slippery, snowfall is intense and the forecast suggests similar conditions till tomorrow afternoon. Please stay safe and do not travel unless essential,” he said, adding that checkpoints have been established to restrict vehicular movement. (KNC)
