Sgr-Jmu National Highway open for 2-way LMV traffic

Ramban, Feb 2: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open on Monday for two-way movement of light and medium passenger vehicles, while heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) were allowed to ply in one direction towards Kashmir, traffic authorities said.

Officials said that, subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, light motor vehicles will be permitted to travel from both sides—Jammu to Srinagar and Srinagar to Jammu—on Tuesday as well.

They added that heavy motor vehicles will be allowed to move towards Jammu from Qazigund in Kashmir.

Traffic officials monitoring the situation reported slow vehicular movement on stretches of NH-44 due to a single-lane section between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, along with the breakdown of a few heavy vehicles. They said a 20–30 metre stretch at Kishtwari Pather has been reduced to a single lane following road subsidence, due to which HMVs are being allowed to ply on alternate days.

Passengers and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to undertake travel on the Jammu–Srinagar highway strictly during daytime. Night travel has been strongly discouraged owing to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal. Authorities also warned that frost formation between Nachlana and the Navyug Tunnel, following recent snowfall, may result in slippery road conditions.

Commuters were urged to maintain lane discipline, with officials cautioning that wrong-lane driving and improper overtaking could lead to traffic congestion. The Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban before releasing HMVs towards Jammu on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road (NH-244) remains closed for vehicular traffic due to heavy snow accumulation.

The public has been advised to check the latest road status from Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Ramban before commencing their journey.