Srinagar Jammu NH open for 2-way traffic

Ramban, Nov 22: The Srinagar Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way movement of light, medium, and heavy vehicles on Saturday, traffic authorities said.

In a fresh advisory issued for Sunday, the Traffic department announced that subject to fair weather and good road conditions, NH-44 would continue to remain open for all categories of vehicles.

Officials monitoring the traffic management on highway informed that although the road remained open throughout the day, vehicular movement was slow at several stretches including Balli Nullah, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas, Maroog, and Kishtwari Pather between Udhampur and Banihal, mainly due to single-lane traffic at multiple locations.

The breakdown of some heavy vehicles en route further contributed to the sluggish traffic flow.

Despite this, hundreds of light, medium, and heavy vehicles crossed the Chenani–Nashri and Banihal–Qazigund (Navyug) tunnels till late Saturday evening, officials said.

Authorities have urged operators of light motor vehicles and private car owners to plan their travel during daylight hours, warning that night movement may cause inconvenience due to the passage of heavy vehicles between the two major tunnels.

The advisory reiterated the importance of lane discipline, adherence to traffic regulations, and avoidance of overtaking or driving on the wrong side — violations that often result in congestion and delays.

Travellers have been advised to follow the latest traffic updates before starting their journeys.