Srinagar, Aug 11: Traffic remained sluggish on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) over the past 24 hours due to single-lane stretches, poor road conditions and vehicle breakdowns, even as authorities allowed two-way traffic on the highway for August 12, subject to fair weather and road conditions.
Traffic Police Headquarters J&K said slow movement was reported at Dawal in Udhampur and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather due to narrow and uneven stretches.
At Dawal, traffic was managed in a regulated manner along a 30-40 metre single-lane stretch, while three vehicles broke down between Nashri and Digdol, further hampering movement.
With the India Meteorological Department forecasting rainfall and inclement weather over the next few days, Traffic Police has advised commuters to confirm the road status from Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu before undertaking the journey.
For August 12, LMVs, passenger vehicles, private cars and HMVs will be allowed from both sides of NH-44—from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice versa—subject to fair weather and better road conditions.
Security Forces vehicles will also be allowed from both sides, subject to weather and road conditions and confirmation from TCU Ramban.
Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to travel during daytime and avoid night journeys, particularly between Ramban and Banihal, due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction work.
Traffic Police has also advised motorists to avoid unnecessary halts along vulnerable stretches, maintain lane discipline and refrain from overtaking or wrong-lane driving, which could cause congestion.
HMV and LMV operators carrying fresh perishables or livestock have been asked to load vehicles as per the prescribed advisory, while HMVs have been advised against overloading and told to carry sufficient fuel. Vehicle owners have also been advised to check the fitness of their vehicles before starting the journey.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag National Highway (NH-244), LMVs and private cars will be allowed from both sides after clearance from NHIDCL.
Vehicles will move 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 allowed after the prescribed cut-off timings.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) road, LMVs will be allowed from both sides up to 1 pm from Sonamarg towards Kargil and from Minamarg towards Srinagar after clearance from road maintenance agencies.
HMVs will be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar between noon and 5 pm. No vehicle will be permitted after 5 pm.
Motorists on the SSG road have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains on slippery stretches, while Security Forces convoys have been asked to plan their movement to avoid disrupting civilian traffic.
On Mughal Road (NH-701A), LMVs and HMVs up to 10 tyres will be allowed from both sides, subject to fair weather and clearance from GREF.
Traffic will be allowed from Chandimarh (Baffliaz) towards Shopian and Herpora (Shopian) towards Poonch between 7 am and 6 pm. No vehicle will be allowed after the prescribed cut-off timings.
Traffic Police has urged commuters to undertake journeys only after confirming the latest road status from the concerned Traffic Control Units.
