Srinagar, Jan 15: Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday issued a detailed traffic plan and advisory for January 16, citing slow movement on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and weather related disruptions on several key routes.
Traffic authorities said that from January 14 at 1600 hours to January 15 at 1600 hours, slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to single lane traffic at Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri Dalwas, and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The situation was further affected by the breakdown of two heavy motor vehicles on the highway.
Passengers and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to prefer daytime travel on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and avoid night journeys due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides, and inconvenience caused by ongoing construction works between Ramban and Banihal. Commuters have also been urged to strictly follow lane discipline, warning that overtaking and wrong lane driving could lead to congestion.
Subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, traffic authorities said that light motor vehicles, passenger vehicles, private cars, and heavy motor vehicles carrying goods will be allowed to ply from both Jammu towards Srinagar and Srinagar towards Jammu on NH-44. Traffic Control Units at Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban for real time assessment of road conditions.
Security Forces convoy movement on NH-44 will also be permitted from both sides, subject to fair weather and confirmation of road status from TCU Ramban.
Meanwhile, the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road on NH-244 has been closed for vehicular movement due to fresh snow accumulation.
Regarding the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari road, authorities said that subject to fair weather and clearance from BRO, traffic movement will be allowed from Srinagar towards Kargil. Vehicles with anti skid chains will be permitted to move from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 1100 hours and 1500 hours, with LMVs followed by HMVs up to six tyres. Motorists have been advised to carry anti skid chains to negotiate slippery stretches. Security Forces convoys have been asked to plan their movement to avoid disruption to civilian traffic.
On the Mughal Road, light motor vehicles and private cars fitted with anti skid chains will be allowed from both sides via Poonch, subject to fair weather and clearance from road maintenance agencies. Movement will be permitted between 1030 hours and 1430 hours, after which no vehicle will be allowed.
Traffic Police have advised commuters to confirm the status of roads before undertaking travel by contacting the respective Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar, and Kargil. (CNS)
