Traffic advisory issued for Srinagar-Jammu highway, Mughal Road, SSG Road, Sinthan Road amid rain alert

Srinagar: The Traffic Police Headquarters issued a detailed traffic advisory for the Srinagar-Jammu national highway and other major roads across Jammu and Kashmir following the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of widespread light to moderate rainfall over the coming days.

The advisory cautioned that the prevailing weather conditions could trigger landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and flash floods at vulnerable locations along the highway, urging commuters to avoid unnecessary travel.

Private vehicles travelling towards Srinagar have been advised to use the old Jawahar Tunnel route to bypass the landslide-prone Nashri-Banihal stretch. Similarly, travellers heading to Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and nearby areas from Jammu have been asked to take the Patnitop route.

The Traffic Police also advised people to avoid travelling on the highway during daytime due to the risk of landslides, shooting stones and sinking zones. Motorists have been urged to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra convoys from Jammu and Srinagar will be permitted only after road conditions are assessed. On convoy movement days, Yatra vehicles will be regulated between Navyug Tunnel and Levdora to facilitate safe passage.

Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) carrying fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishable goods will be allowed only after the movement of Yatra convoys, subject to weather and traffic conditions. Operators have also been instructed to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit and adequately fuelled. HMVs carrying construction material will not be allowed on NH-44 without specific permission from the Traffic Police Headquarters.

Subject to favourable weather and road conditions, passenger vehicles will be allowed to ply from both sides of NH-44. Traffic towards Srinagar will be released from Nagrota between 7 am and 12 noon and from Jakheni between 8 am and 1 pm. No vehicle will be permitted to travel outside the notified timings. Perishable-goods HMVs may proceed from Jakheni after passenger traffic ends, but no HMV will be allowed after 6 pm.

Among other routes, the Mughal Road will remain closed due to maintenance work. The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road will permit one-way traffic towards Kargil, while no vehicle will be allowed from Sonamarg towards Srinagar. Drivers have been advised to carry anti-skid chains due to slippery road conditions.

The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road remains open subject to weather, with movement of HMVs and vehicles carrying livestock or perishable goods to be regulated after assessment. The Bhaderwah-Chamba Road is open only for light motor vehicles, while heavy vehicles, including buses and tankers, are prohibited. The Doda-Bharth Road remains open, whereas the Doda-Kishtwar Road is closed because of road damage.

The Traffic Police have urged commuters to check the latest road status through traffic control rooms before beginning their journey and strictly follow traffic advisories for safe travel.