Srinagar: Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway remained slow due to narrow road sections, damaged road surfaces and vehicle breakdowns. The Traffic Police has advised commuters to avoid travelling at night because of the risk of landslides and falling stones.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police Headquarters, traffic moved slowly between 6 pm on October 24 and 6 pm on October 25. Poor road conditions at Dawal in Udhampur and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather affected traffic. Four vehicles broke down between Nashri and Ramsoo, while three groups of nomads moving with their livestock across the Banihal-Nachlana stretch also caused delays.
The narrow road section at Dawal is around 30 to 40 metres long. Traffic between Marog and Kishtwari Pather may also remain slow due to the movement of nomadic groups.
The Traffic Police has advised passengers and drivers of light vehicles to use NH-44 during daylight hours. Night travel should be avoided because of the risk of falling stones, landslides, the movement of nomadic groups from the Valley and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
For October 26, traffic will be allowed in both directions on NH-44, depending on weather and road conditions. Commuters have been asked to follow lane rules, avoid overtaking and not drive on the wrong side of the road. Security Forces vehicles will also be allowed to move in both directions after the Traffic Control Unit in Ramban confirms that the road is safe.
Traffic rules for other highways
Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road (NH-244): Light motor vehicles and private cars will be allowed to travel in both directions, subject to favourable weather, safe road conditions and clearance from maintenance agencies. Vehicles can travel from PP Parana towards Anantnag between 8 am and 4 pm, and from Daksum towards Kishtwar between 9 am and 4 pm. No vehicles will be allowed after these timings.
Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari Road: Light motor vehicles will be allowed in both directions until 1 pm, subject to clearance from road maintenance agencies. Heavy vehicles can travel from Sonamarg towards Kargil between noon and 5 pm. No movement will be allowed after 5 pm. Drivers have been advised to carry anti-skid chains and use them on slippery roads.
Mughal Road (NH-701A): Light vehicles will be allowed first, followed by heavy vehicles with a maximum of 10 tyres, in both directions. Movement will depend on weather and road conditions and clearance from the maintenance agency. Vehicles can travel from Chandimarh in Baffliaz towards Shopian and from Herpora in Shopian towards Poonch between 7 am and 6 pm.
The Traffic Police has asked commuters to check the latest road conditions with the relevant Traffic Control Units before starting their journeys. Drivers of heavy vehicles have also been advised not to overload their vehicles, check their condition and carry enough fuel.
Commuters have been asked to avoid unnecessary stops between Ramban and Banihal, especially in areas prone to landslides and falling stones. Vehicles carrying fresh produce, other perishable goods and livestock must follow the traffic advisories issued by the department.
