Sgr-Jmu NH open for 2-way traffic

Ramban: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Saturday witnessed huge pressure of Kashmir-bound Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) while it remained open for two-way traffic of the convoy of Amarnath Yatris and other Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs).

“Traffic movement remained slow between Nashri and Banihal as HMVs carrying essential supplies were allowed after two days from Jakhani-Udhampur towards Kashmir on Saturday afternoon,” officials said. Traffic movement remained slow due to the breakdown of a few HMVs and a single road stretch at Dalwass, Mehar-Cafeteria, Ramban, T2, Maroog and many other places between Nashri and Banihal.

The officials monitoring the regulation of traffic in Ramban said, “The highway remained open and hundreds of vehicles carrying Amarnath Yatris and LMVs crossed the Nashri-Banihal sector towards their respective destinations without any interruption during the day.” “HMVs are heading towards Kashmir, though at a slow pace. As a consequence, huge pressure of valley-bound HMVs was observed on the highway. Slow pace was due to narrow road stretches at Dalwass, Mehar, Cafeteria, Seri, Kelamorh, T2, Maroog and some other places,” they said.

“Besides, some vehicle operators were stuck in traffic congestion near Ramban. There are many single-lane road stretches between Nashri and Banihal where only one vehicle can cross at a time,” the officials said.

The officials at Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Ramban late Saturday evening said that the highway was open for two-way traffic of LMVs and one way-traffic of HMVs.

Meanwhile, J&K Traffic Police advisory for Sunday stated that subject to fair weather and road condition, the Amarnath Yatra convoy and other LMVs would be allowed to ply on either side of the highway while HMVs would be allowed to ply from Qazigund in Kashmir towards Jammu after assessing the road and traffic situation.