Srinagar, Jan 12 (KNS): The Traffic Department has issued a comprehensive advisory for commuters on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), the primary surface link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.
A senior traffic officer informed Kashmir News Service (KNS) that slow traffic movement was observed on the highway over the past 24 hours. He stated the congestion was attributed to single-lane traffic at several points—Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri-Dalwas, and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather—compounded by the breakdown of three Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) on the route.
In light of ongoing maintenance and safety concerns, passengers and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators have been strongly advised to plan their journeys during daylight hours only. Commuters are urged to avoid night travel due to potential disruptions from HMV movement between the Nashri and Navyug tunnels.
The official stressed strict adherence to lane discipline, with a ban on overtaking and wrong-lane driving to prevent further congestion.
Regarding civilian vehicles, subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, LMVs, passenger buses, private cars, and goods carrier HMVs will be permitted from both sides (Jammu to Srinagar and vice-versa).
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelTraffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban for real-time updates.
Convoys will also be permitted from both sides, contingent upon fair weather and clear roads. Security forces must confirm the highway status with TCU Ramban prior to movement.
Separately, the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road remains closed for vehicular traffic due to fresh snowfall.
The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road (towards Kargil) may open for traffic subject to fair weather and clearance from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). If opened, a limited window from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM will be available for LMVs and HMVs (up to 6 tyres) fitted with anti-skid chains, moving from Minamarg towards Srinagar. Security Forces convoys from Kargil are instructed to schedule their movement to avoid disrupting civilian traffic.
The Jammu-Srinagar route via Poonch may open for LMVs and private cars equipped with anti-skid chains, subject to weather conditions and clearance from the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF).
A Traffic Department official emphasized, "The public is advised to confirm the real-time status of all roads from the nearest Traffic Control Units before commencing their journey." (KNS)