Srinagar-Jammu National Highway open for traffic

Ramban, Oct 20: Traffic on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open and largely smooth on Monday, with authorities allowing one-way movement of heavy vehicles towards Kashmir and two-way traffic for light and medium vehicles.

However, the flow of vehicles between Ramban and Banihal was reported to be slow due to the breakdown of several heavy trucks and the movement of nomadic families migrating on foot with their livestock towards Jammu for the winter.

Traffic officials monitoring the highway said congestion was observed between Maroog and Kishtwari Pathar, where truck breakdowns and the movement of herders caused intermittent traffic disruptions. Despite the bottlenecks, Jammu-bound heavy vehicles continued to move in a regulated manner.

The officials added that vehicular movement also slowed down at 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 delays.

Authorities have urged commuters and transporters to strictly follow lane discipline and avoid overtaking or driving on the wrong side, warning that such violations could worsen congestion on the highway.