SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained very slow between Dawal in Udhampur and the Marog-Kishtwari Pather stretch due to single-lane road conditions, an uneven surface, vehicle breakdowns and the movement of nomadic herds, the Traffic Police Headquarters said on Thursday.
The advisory, covering the period from 4 pm on October 21 to 4 pm on October 22, also cautioned commuters against night travel on the highway because of the risk of shooting stones and landslides, nomadic movement and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Traffic was regulated at Dawal, where a single-lane stretch of around 30-40 metres was affecting movement. Three vehicles also broke down between Ramban and Ramsoo, while three nomadic herds crossed the Banihal-Nachlana stretch.
For Friday, October 23, passenger light motor vehicles (LMVs), private cars and goods carriers have been permitted to travel in both directions on NH-44, subject to fair weather and improved road conditions. Security Forces convoys will also be allowed to move in both directions after confirming the highway status with the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Ramban.
The Traffic Police advised motorists to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking and wrong-lane driving, warning that such violations could cause congestion. Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake journeys during daylight hours.
The movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will remain restricted on the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch between 7 am and 7 pm due to widening work being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and restrictions on carrying inflammable material through tunnels. Upward-bound tankers will be allowed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
Goods carriers transporting fresh produce, perishable commodities and livestock have been advised to follow traffic advisories and account for possible delays. Heavy motor vehicle operators have also been asked to avoid overloading, check vehicle fitness and carry sufficient fuel.
Commuters have been urged to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide-prone and shooting-stone areas.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), passenger LMVs and private cars will be permitted to travel in both directions, subject to favourable weather, suitable road conditions and clearance from road maintenance agencies. Vehicles will be allowed from PP Parana towards Anantnag between 8 am and 4 pm, and from Daksum towards Kishtwar between 9 am and 4 pm. No vehicle will be permitted after the prescribed cut-off times.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, also known as the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) road, LMVs will be allowed in both directions subject to weather and road conditions and clearance from maintenance agencies. Vehicles will be permitted from Sonamarg towards Kargil and from Minamarg towards Srinagar until 1 pm. Heavy motor vehicles will be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar between noon and 5 pm, with no movement permitted after 5 pm. Motorists have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains on slippery stretches.
On the Mughal Road (NH-701A), light motor vehicles followed by heavy motor vehicles with a maximum of 10 tyres will be allowed in both directions, subject to favourable weather, road conditions and clearance from the road maintenance agency, GREF. Vehicles will be permitted from Chandimarh (Buffliaz) towards Shopian and from Herpora in Shopian towards Poonch between 7 am and 6 pm. No vehicle will be allowed to proceed after the prescribed cut-off time.
The Traffic Police advised travellers to confirm road conditions with the relevant control units before setting out.
For updates, commuters can contact the Traffic Control Units in Jammu at 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550 or 9419147732; Srinagar at 0194-2450022 or 2485396; Ramban at 9419993745; Udhampur at 8491928825; PCR Kishtwar at 9906154100; and PCR Kargil at 9541902330 or 9541902331. The emergency traffic helpline is 103.
