SRINAGAR: Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, has issued a detailed advisory for commuters travelling on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), citing inclement weather, landslides and shooting stones along vulnerable stretches.
According to the advisory, slow traffic movement was observed on NH-44 between Jammu and Udhampur due to single-lane stretches, undulating and uneven road surfaces. Similar conditions were reported between Ramban and Banihal due to shooting stones and landslides.
Traffic Police said the general public should undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the road from the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Jammu/Srinagar and other official channels. Commuters have also been advised to check the Traffic Police website, handle and Facebook page for updates.
Traffic is being regulated at Dawal in Udhampur on NH-44 due to a single lane of around 30-40 metres.
Passengers and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to prefer travelling on NH-44 during daytime, while night travel has been discouraged, particularly because of shooting stones and landslides between Ramban and Banihal.
The advisory also cautioned goods carriers transporting fresh or perishable items to load their vehicles only after assessing the road conditions, as ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal could cause inconvenience.
Heavy motor vehicle operators and owners have been asked to avoid overloading and carry sufficient fuel before undertaking the journey. Vehicle owners have also been advised to check the fitness of their vehicles before travelling.
The movement of tankers carrying gas to fuel stations will remain restricted between 7 am and 3 pm. Since tankers carrying inflammable material are restricted through tunnels, their movement will be allowed beyond Chenani only after 5 pm and up to 5 am.
Traffic Police has further advised commuters to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide and shooting-stone-prone areas.
Under the traffic plan for August 26, light motor vehicles, private cars and heavy passenger vehicles will be allowed from both sides on NH-44, subject to fair weather and good road conditions. Commuters have been advised to follow lane discipline and avoid overtaking and wrong-lane driving to prevent congestion.
Army and BSF convoys will also be allowed from both sides of NH-44, subject to road conditions and confirmation from TCU Ramban.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244, LMVs and private cars will be allowed to move towards Sinthan Anantnag between 9 am and 4 pm, subject to road conditions and maintenance clearance. Vehicles will not be allowed after the prescribed cut-off timings.
On Mughal Road (NH-701A), movement of LMVs and goods carriers up to 10 tonnes will be allowed from both sides, subject to fair weather, good road conditions and clearance from the road maintenance agency. No vehicle will be allowed after the specified cut-off timings.
For the SSG Road, LMVs will be allowed to ply from both sides on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri route via Z-Morh, subject to fair weather and good road conditions. Authorities said no vehicle would be allowed after the prescribed cut-off timings.
Traffic Police has urged commuters to confirm the status of the road before starting their journey, particularly in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
For updates, commuters can contact the Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur and PCR Kashmir/Kargil.
