Srinagar–Jammu highway open, seasonal migration slow traffic

Ramban, Oct 21: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for one-way movement of heavy vehicles and two-way movement of light and medium vehicles on Tuesday.

Traffic authorities said that the flow of vehicles between Ramban and Banihal remained slow due to single-lane stretches at several locations between Udhampur and Banihal, as well as the on-foot migration of nomadic families with their livestock moving towards Jammu for the winter season.

Officials monitoring the highway reported that vehicular movement was particularly slow between Maroog and Kishtwari Pathar. The breakdown of a few heavy trucks and the movement of nomadic families caused congestion along this stretch. They added that after the clearance of Jammu-bound heavy vehicles, Srinagar-bound traffic would be allowed to ply on Wednesday.

By late Tuesday evening, traffic officials said vehicles were moving towards their destinations in a regulated manner.

Authorities further noted that traffic flow remained slow at several single-lane stretches, including Balli Nullah, Dewal, and Samroli between Nashri and Dalwass, as well as between Maroog and Kishtwari Pathar along the Udhampur–Banihal section. Narrow road widths and ongoing maintenance work further contributed to the sluggish pace of vehicular movement.

Officials confirmed that National Highway-44 remains open for scheduled traffic.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Department advised commuters and transporters to maintain lane discipline, avoid overtaking, and refrain from wrong-lane driving, warning that such violations could worsen congestion on the highway. Travellers were also urged to check the latest traffic advisories from the Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Ramban, or follow the official social media handles of the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Department before starting their journey.