Slow traffic movement continues on Sgr–Jmu NH due to single-lane traffic

Ramban, Oct 31:: Vehicular movement on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained sluggish for most of Friday owing to single-lane traffic and multiple bottlenecks between Udhampur and Banihal.

Traffic authorities said the highway would remain open for two-way movement of light motor vehicles (LMVs), subject to fair weather and road conditions. However, movement of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be permitted from Srinagar towards Jammu only after the Secretariat convoy crosses Chanderkote and a fresh assessment of the road situation is made on Saturday.

Officials said the slow traffic was primarily due to single-lane stretches at Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas, and Marog–Kishtwari Pather. The situation was further compounded by the breakdown of three HMVs and the movement of nomadic flocks between Marog and Kishtwari Pather.

In view of these conditions, commuters and LMV drivers have been advised to travel during daytime and avoid night journeys. The movement of HMVs during night hours between Chenani–Nashri and Banihal–Qazigund tunnels, coupled with the seasonal migration of nomads from the Valley towards Jammu, continues to add to the traffic congestion.

Traffic Police Headquarters has announced that no up-movement of goods carriers, HMVs, or medium motor vehicles (MMVs) from Jammu towards Srinagar will be allowed on Saturday and Sunday (November 1 and 2) due to the movement of Secretariat employees from Srinagar to Jammu as part of the biannual Darbar Move.

Goods carriers transporting perishables or livestock have been advised to adhere strictly to the traffic advisories issued by the Police Headquarters, considering the fragile road conditions and heavy movement of herds along the route.

Authorities have urged commuters to maintain lane discipline and refrain from overtaking or wrong-lane driving to prevent further congestion. Travelers have been advised to confirm the latest road status from the Traffic Control Units (TCUs) at Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Ramban before undertaking any journey on NH-44.