SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained very slow due to single-lane stretches, uneven road surfaces and vehicle breakdowns, while commuters have been advised to avoid night travel because of the risk of shooting stones and landslides.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, slow movement was reported between 6 pm on October 24 and 6 pm on October 25 due to road conditions at Dawal in Udhampur and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. Four vehicle breakdowns between Nashri and Ramsoo and the movement of three nomadic herds crossing Banihal-Nachlana also affected traffic.
The single-lane stretch at Dawal extends for around 30 to 40 metres. Traffic movement between Marog and Kishtwari Pather is also likely to remain slow due to the movement of nomadic herds, the advisory said.
Passengers and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to travel on NH-44 during daylight hours. Night journeys should be avoided due to the possibility of shooting stones and landslides, nomadic movement from the Valley and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
For October 26, traffic on NH-44 will be permitted in both directions, subject to favourable weather and road conditions. Commuters have been urged to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking and wrong-lane driving to prevent congestion. Security Forces vehicles will also be allowed to travel in both directions after confirmation of road conditions from the Traffic Control Unit in Ramban.
The advisory also imposes time restrictions on certain categories of vehicles on other highways.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), light motor vehicles and private cars will be allowed in both directions, subject to favourable weather, road conditions and clearance from maintenance agencies. Vehicles can travel 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 respective cut-off times.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, light motor vehicles will be allowed in both directions, subject to clearance from road maintenance agencies, until 1 pm. Heavy motor vehicles will be permitted from Sonamarg towards Kargil between noon and 5 pm, with no movement allowed after 5 pm. Motorists have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains on slippery stretches.
On Mughal Road (NH-701A), light motor vehicles followed by heavy vehicles with a maximum of 10 tyres will be allowed in both directions, subject to favourable weather, road conditions and clearance from the maintenance agency. Movement from Chandimarh in Baffliaz towards Shopian and from Herpora in Shopian towards Poonch will be permitted between 7 am and 6 pm.
The Traffic Police has advised commuters to confirm road conditions with the relevant traffic control units before starting their journeys. Heavy vehicle operators have also been asked to avoid overloading, check vehicle fitness and carry sufficient fuel.
Commuters have been advised against unnecessary stops between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide-prone and shooting-stone areas. Vehicles carrying fresh produce, other perishable goods or livestock should follow the traffic advisories issued by the department.
