JAMMU, May 22: The Traffic Department on Friday issued a fresh advisory for May 23, cautioning commuters about possible slow traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) due to single-lane stretches, movement of nomadic herds and ongoing road construction works.
Officials said traffic remained sluggish on NH-44 from May 21 to May 22, especially between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, because of single-lane road conditions, breakdown of two heavy motor vehicles at Dalwas and movement of eight nomadic herds between Nachlana and Banihal.
The advisory stated that movement of three additional nomadic herds is expected on Saturday on the Marog–Kishtwari Pather stretch, which may further impact traffic flow. Commuters have been asked to follow lane discipline and avoid overtaking to minimize congestion.
Authorities advised passengers and transporters to travel on the highway only during daytime and avoid night journeys in view of shooting stones, landslides, nomadic movement towards Kashmir Valley and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Subject to fair weather and better road conditions, all types of vehicles including LMVs, passenger vehicles, private cars, HMVs and goods carriers will be allowed from both Jammu and Srinagar sides on NH-44. Security Forces convoy movement will also be facilitated after coordination with the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Ramban.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), only light motor vehicles and private cars will be allowed from Srinagar towards Kishtwar via Daksum and Sinthan Top, depending on weather conditions and clearance from NHIDCL authorities.
Officials said vehicles will be permitted from Daksum between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm, while no vehicle movement will be allowed after the designated timing.
Traffic authorities said LMVs will be allowed from both Srinagar and Kargil sides on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) road till 1:00 pm after receiving clearance from maintenance agencies.
Heavy motor vehicles will be allowed only from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 12 noon and 3:00 pm. Drivers have been advised to carry anti-skid chains due to slippery road conditions along the route.
The Mughal Road will remain open from both sides for LMVs and HMVs up to six tyres, subject to favorable weather conditions.
Vehicles from Chandimarh (Buffliaz) towards Shopian will be allowed between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, while traffic from Herpora towards Poonch will be permitted between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm after clearance from GREF authorities.
Public Asked to Check Road Status
The Traffic Department urged commuters to verify the latest road and traffic status before starting their journey through the concerned Traffic Control Units established in Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar and Kargil.
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