Srinagar-Jammu National Highway open for 1-way traffic

Ramban, Sep 30: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for one-way traffic on Tuesday, with heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) allowed to move towards Kashmir and light and medium vehicles (LMVs) permitted towards Jammu, traffic authorities said.

Despite the highway being operational, traffic movement remained slow due to multiple factors, including single-lane stretches at Tharad (Udhampur), between Nashri and Dalwass, and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The situation was further compounded by the breakdown of several HMVs and the on-foot movement of nomadic families migrating with their livestock towards Jammu.

Traffic officials also confirmed that LMV passenger vehicles from the Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts were allowed to travel towards Jammu and vice versa, subject to fixed cut-off timings.

Authorities reiterated that NH-44 is currently restricted to one-way movement due to uneven and undulating road conditions, particularly in the Tharad area of Udhampur district.

Commuters and vehicle operators have been strongly advised to maintain lane discipline while traveling on the highway. The traffic department further urged the public not to undertake any journey on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway without first confirming the latest road status from the Traffic Control Units in Srinagar, Jammu, Udhampur, and Ramban, or through the official Twitter and Facebook pages of the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police.