NH-44 Traffic to Remain Regulated as Landslide Risk Persists Between Ramban and Banihal
Srinagar, March 15, KNT: The Traffic Police Headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday issued a traffic advisory for March 15, warning commuters of possible slow movement on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) and urging travellers to confirm road status before undertaking journeys.
According to the advisory, traffic movement remained slow on the highway between March 13 and March 14 due to single-lane stretches between Marog and Kishtwari Pathar and breakdown of heavy motor vehicles.
Authorities said passenger vehicles and light motor vehicle operators should plan their travel carefully and avoid night journeys on the highway due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Commuters have also been advised to follow lane discipline, warning that overtaking and wrong-lane driving could lead to congestion and accidents along the mountainous highway stretch.
Officials said that subject to fair weather and road conditions, passenger vehicles including light motor vehicles, passenger carriers and private cars would be allowed to move in both directions on NH-44 between Jammu and Srinagar.
Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with the Traffic Control Unit in Ramban to regulate movement based on the prevailing road condition.
Security forces convoy movement will also be allowed from both directions on the highway subject to confirmation of road conditions by traffic authorities in Ramban.
Authorities said the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road remains closed for vehicular traffic due to accumulation of snow.
Meanwhile, traffic on the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri road towards Kargil had remained suspended for the past few days because of inclement weather and snow accumulation.
However, subject to improvement in weather conditions, passenger vehicles and light motor vehicles are expected to be allowed to move from Srinagar towards Kargil via Sonamarg–Gumri road.
Officials said vehicles from Sonamarg towards Kargil would be allowed to move only after clearance from road maintenance agencies and after receiving a green signal from the Traffic Control Unit in Kargil.
Motorists travelling on this route have been advised to carry anti-skid chains to maintain grip on icy road surfaces.
Authorities also cautioned drivers about the risk of avalanches along the Zojila axis and advised them to follow instructions issued by traffic officials.
Under the advisory issued by the District Magistrate of Shopian, passenger vehicles including light motor vehicles and passenger carriers would also be allowed to move on the Mughal Road between Chandimarh (Buffliaz) and Shopian–Herpora.
Traffic on this route will remain permitted between 1100 hours and 1500 hours subject to fair weather and road conditions.
Officials said no vehicle will be allowed to move on the Mughal Road after the cut-off timing.
Traffic authorities have urged commuters to check road status through Traffic Control Units before starting their journey.
Helpline numbers have also been issued for travellers seeking information regarding road conditions across the region. [KNT]
