Sgr-Jmu NH-44 open for 2-way traffic
Ramban, Jan 7: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way traffic on Wednesday, bringing relief to commuters and transporters travelling between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu, officials said.
Traffic authorities said that, subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, light motor vehicles (LMVs), passenger vehicles, heavy passenger service vehicles (HPSVs), private cars and goods carriers will continue to be allowed from both directions on Thursday as well.
Officials informed that light, medium and heavy vehicles were permitted to ply throughout the day in both directions. However, traffic movement remained slow at several stretches due to single-lane sections and breakdown of vehicles. Traffic congestion was reported at Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas and along the Marog–Kishtwari Pather stretch.
Engineers from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said that repair and construction work is currently underway at multiple locations between the Udhampur–Ramban and Ramban–Banihal sectors, which has contributed to slower traffic flow.
Authorities have advised travellers to check the latest traffic updates from Traffic Control Units (TCUs) at Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu before starting their journey. Commuters were also urged to follow official advisories issued through the social media platforms of the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police.
Passengers have been advised to prefer daytime travel and avoid night journeys, particularly on vulnerable stretches of the highway. Officials cautioned that the movement of heavy vehicles between the Nashri and Navyug tunnels during night hours could lead to inconvenience and further congestion. Drivers were also advised to maintain lane discipline, warning that overtaking and wrong-lane driving could result in traffic jams and pose serious safety risks.
Meanwhile, the Kishtwar–Sinthantop–Anantnag National Highway (NH-244) remained closed due to the accumulation of snow along the route. Authorities said that restoration work will commence once weather conditions improve.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), National Highway Ramban, Raja Adil Hamid said that NH-44 is currently open for regulated traffic movement, and commuters should strictly adhere to traffic advisories for a safe journey.
