SRINAGAR: The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, has issued a fresh advisory for commuters travelling on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44), advising them to undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the road.
According to the advisory, the highway remained open for traffic from 4 pm on August 11 to 4 pm on August 12, though slow-moving traffic was reported at several stretches due to single-lane conditions, undulating and uneven road surfaces at Dhalwas and Udhampur, and ongoing widening work between Banihal and Nachilana. Traffic was also affected at about 63 vehicles between Ramban and Banihal.
The traffic authorities said that in view of the likelihood of rainfall over the next few days, commuters should undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the road from the Traffic Control Units at Srinagar, Jammu, Ramban, Udhampur and other concerned centres.
Traffic was also reported to have been regulated at Dawal in Udhampur, where movement through a single lane was allowed for about 30 to 40 metres.
Passengers and light motor vehicle (LMV) operators have been advised to plan their journeys during the daytime and avoid night travel due to apprehensions of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal, which could cause inconvenience.
Heavy motor vehicle (HMV) and commercial vehicle operators have been asked to desist from overloading and carry sufficient fuel, keeping in view the possibility of delays on the highway.
Commuters have further been advised to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide- and shooting-stone-prone stretches.
### Traffic plan for August 13
As per the advisory, subject to weather and road conditions, LMVs/passenger vehicles will be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar highway from 11 am to 4 pm. Vehicles will have to move only after confirming that the road ahead is clear.
Army/BSF convoy movement will be subject to weather and road conditions. Security Forces vehicles will be allowed from both sides between Jammu and Srinagar but will move only after confirmation of the status of the highway from the Traffic Control Room.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road, LMVs will be allowed from Sonamarg towards Gumri between 11 am and 4 pm after confirmation of good weather and road conditions. Vehicles will be allowed only after receiving clearance from the road maintenance agency.
The advisory said no movement will be allowed on the route beyond the prescribed cut-off timings, while the movement of Security Forces vehicles will remain subject to traffic conditions.
On the Mughal Road, LMVs will be allowed from both directions after obtaining clearance from the road maintenance agency, subject to good weather and road conditions. No vehicle will be allowed to proceed after the prescribed cut-off time.
The Traffic Police has urged commuters to confirm road conditions before starting their journey. For updates, commuters can contact the Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur, PCR Kishtwar and PCR Kargil.
