Authorities step up maintenance work on NH-44 ahead of Darbar Move

Ramban, Oct 24: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open on Friday for two-way movement of light and medium vehicles, while heavy vehicles were allowed one-way traffic toward Jammu.

Traffic authorities, however, reported slow movement at several locations due to poor road conditions, single-lane stretches, the on-foot migration of nomadic families with their livestock toward Jammu for the winter, and the breakdown of a few heavy vehicles between the Udhampur and Banihal sectors.

Officials monitoring traffic noted congestion at Balli Nullah, Dewal, Samroli, Nashri, Dalwass, and between Maroog and Kishtwari Pathar. They added that Jammu-bound traffic would be allowed to proceed after clearing Srinagar-bound heavy vehicles. By Friday evening, vehicles were moving, albeit at a slow pace.

Authorities attributed the delays to narrow road widths and ongoing maintenance work along the single-lane stretches mentioned above. The Traffic Department advised commuters and transporters to maintain lane discipline, avoid overtaking, and refrain from wrong-lane driving, warning that such violations could worsen congestion. Travelers were also urged to check the latest traffic advisories from the Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Ramban, or via the official social media handles of the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Department before starting their journey on Saturday.

In view of the forthcoming Darbar Move, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyass Khan, accompanied by SSP Traffic National Highway Raja Adil Hamid and Project Director NHAI Shubham Yadav, conducted an inspection of the highway from Ramban to Banihal. During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner directed the NHAI to expedite Deep Bitumen Macadam (DBM) patchwork and ensure the clearance of debris and boulders from the hillside between Maroog and Kishtwari Pathar. The move is expected to significantly improve road and traffic conditions along this stretch of NH-44.