Srinagar-Jammu NH open for one-way traffic

Ramban, Oct 13: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for one-way traffic towards Kashmir on Monday.

However, the movement of traffic remained slow due to the ongoing road challenges.

According to traffic officials, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles were allowed to travel towards Srinagar on Monday, but the traffic flow remained sluggish.

The delays were primarily attributed to single-lane operations in several damaged stretches, poor road conditions, and the ongoing migration of nomadic families with livestock moving on foot towards Jammu.

On Monday morning and again in late afternoon, Srinagar-bound heavy vehicles were seen lined up at multiple checkpoints, waiting for the green signal to proceed.

Traffic officials said that vehicular movement was being regulated in a phased manner, particularly between Ramban and Banihal, where only one-way traffic was currently permitted.

Officials said that traffic was being carefully managed in vulnerable zones across the Udhampur-Banihal sector, where congestion was frequent.

Major bottlenecks have been identified at Thard, Balli Nullah, Dewal, Samroli, Nashri, Dalwass, Mehad, SeriMaroog, and Kishtwari Pattar.

The heavy on-foot movement of nomadic families with livestock has added to the complexity of traffic regulation, especially between Udhampur and Ramban.

Authorities say this seasonal migration is significantly impacting vehicular speed and safety along the already-constrained highway.

Traffic authorities have strongly advised commuters not to travel against the traffic advisory, warning that doing so could worsen congestion and increase safety risks.

Motorists have been urged to check the latest road status before starting their journeys at Traffic Control Units in Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur, and Jammu.

Authorities also advised following official social media updates from the J&K Traffic Police for real-time advisories.