Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: While over 1200 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), mostly ferrying tourists from Kashmir valley reached Jammu today, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), cleared Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for one -way stranded traffic, while additional security forces have been deployed along the Mughal Road besides some other routes.
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A senior official of the National Highway Authority of India in the region said that following instructions from the higher authorities, some more machines were managed and pressed into service to clear the highway last evening. The road clearance work was carried on round the clock with additional workforce. The one way passage was created by early morning today. The vehicles and machines of the construction companies were cleared from the highway and the trapped and stranded vehicles between Ramban, Seri, Maroog, Ramsoo and Banihal were cleared.
“From around 8 am, one way stranded traffic was allowed towards Jammu and also from the other side of Ramban and Chenani but no fresh traffic from Jammu, Udhampur or Srinagar side was allowed through this route. For ensuring two-way traffic on this highway, at least one day is needed,” he added.
A senior Traffic Police official said that the weather was clear today and at least 1200 Light Motor Vehicles, mostly carrying tourists and some people from Jammu region arrived Jammu via Mughal Road. About 900 vehicles from Jammu sides also left for Kashmir via Mughal Road.
The official further said that the heavy vehicles are not being allowed via Mughal Road due to narrow stretches many places especially ahead of Behramgalla and also near Pir Ki Gali on Poonch side. The BRO authorities have been asked to widen the road so that heavy vehicles could also be allowed via Mughal Road. The vehicles are also being allowed via Kokernag-Sinthon Top and Kishtwar, he added.
The sources said that additional security forces have been deployed on Mughal Road and also along Anantnga-Kokernag-Kishtwar Road for the safety of the passengers and increasing threat of terror strike.
Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq said that with the constant and rigorous efforts of the several teams the one way passage could be ensured between Banihal and Udhampur. He said about 95% of the stranded vehicles between Banihal, Ramsoo and Nashri were cleared by this afternoon. The highway beyond Banihal and also between Jammu-Udhampur -Chenani is clear.
The DC said that massive heaps of debris are still there in and around Ramban due to cloud bursts. Many vehicles and public properties are still buried under it. It may take some more time to clear debris/ stones etc from the roads/ lanes and other places. Many vehicles have been removed from the debris so far, the DC maintained.
Choudhary said that most of the passengers and tourists stranded at Ramban, Chanderkote, Ramsoo and Banihal have been sent to their respective destinations. At present there is no passenger/ tourist in Ramban. By next couple of days, you will find smooth two-way traffic on Jammu-Srinagar Highway, he added.
The Northern Railways also operated a special train from Katra to New Delhi this evening to assist the stranded passengers to reach their destination.
In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, thousands of tourists are leaving Kashmir, with authorities making all efforts for the safe return of the visitors to their respective home States.
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