Srinagar-Jammu highway open for 2-way light vehicles

Ramban, Nov 1: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open on Saturday for two-way movement of light and medium vehicles and one-way traffic of heavy vehicles heading towards Jammu, with officials confirming that the route will continue to operate similarly on Sunday, subject to fair weather and road conditions.

Traffic authorities said that in view of the ongoing Darbar Move—the biannual shifting of government offices between Srinagar and Jammu—no heavy or medium goods vehicles will be allowed to travel towards Kashmir on Sunday.

Officials reported intermittent slowdowns along the highway due to single-lane stretches, the seasonal migration of nomadic families with livestock moving on foot towards Jammu for winter, and occasional vehicle breakdowns between Udhampur and Banihal.

Congestion was observed at Balli Nullah, Dewal, Samroli, Nashri, Dalwass, Maroog, and Kishtwari Pathar, where narrow stretches and road maintenance work continue to restrict smooth traffic flow.

Authorities have urged commuters and transporters to adhere to lane discipline, avoid overtaking, and refrain from wrong-lane driving to ensure safe and efficient movement along the route.

Meanwhile, the J&K Traffic Police have issued a special advisory in connection with the Darbar Move convoy from Srinagar to Jammu. The advisory states that no upward movement of heavy or medium motor vehicles from Jammu to Srinagar will be permitted on Sunday. However, light motor vehicles will be allowed to ply in both directions between the two capitals,