Srinagar Jammu NH open amid sluggish vehicular movement

Ramban, Dec 14: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way traffic of light, medium and heavy vehicles on Sunday, though vehicular movement was slow at several stretches between the Udhampur and Banihal sectors due to single-lane traffic conditions.

In a fresh advisory issued for Monday, the Traffic Police department said that, subject to fair weather and good road conditions, light, medium and heavy vehicles would be allowed to ply from both sides on the highway.

Earlier, authorities reported slow traffic movement at multiple locations on NH-44, including Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas and the stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The situation was further aggravated by the breakdown of two heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) along the route.

Passengers and light motor vehicle (LMV) operators have been advised to undertake their journeys on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway during daytime hours only.

Commuters have also been cautioned against night travel, as the movement of heavy vehicles between the Nashri tunnel and the Navyug tunnel may cause inconvenience and traffic congestion.

The Traffic department has urged motorists to strictly adhere to lane discipline, warning that overtaking and wrong-lane driving could lead to serious congestion on the highway.

Subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, LMVs, passenger vehicles, private cars and heavy motor vehicles (goods carriers) will be permitted to ply from both Jammu towards Srinagar and Srinagar towards Jammu on NH-44 on Monday.

Meanwhile, regarding the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road (NH-244), officials said that, subject to fair weather and good road conditions and after clearance from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), only LMVs will be allowed to operate from both sides.

These vehicles will be permitted to pass from PP Parana and PP Daksum between 10 am and 3 pm.