Srinagar-Jammu NH open despite rains

Ramban, Oct 3: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for one-way traffic on Friday, with Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) allowed to move towards Kashmir and heavy vehicles directed towards Jammu.

Despite the highway being open, the vehicular movement remained slow, with traffic authorities citing single-lane road stretches at Tharad in Udhampur between Nashri and Dalwass, and between Maroog and Kishtwari Pattar as major causes of congestion.

Additionally, the seasonal migration of nomadic families on foot, along with their livestock, towards Jammu further contributed to the traffic slowdown.

Traffic officials stationed at Maroog reported that hundreds of light, medium, and heavy vehicles crossed the Udhampur and Banihal sectors en route to their respective destinations in Jammu and Srinagar.

They said that following the clearance of Srinagar-bound heavy vehicles, Jammu-bound trucks were released from Qazigund in a regulated manner towards Jammu and other regions of the country.

However, several drivers and commuters reported being stuck in traffic congestion at key bottleneck points, including Seri, Kelamorh, Anokhifall, Maroog, and Digdool during the morning hours.

In view of the current road conditions and increased movement of nomadic groups, traffic authorities advised commuters not to travel against the traffic advisory.

Officials urged travellers to check the latest highway status through the Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Ramban, or follow updates via the official social media handles of the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police before planning their travel on Saturday.