Srinagar-Jammu NH open for one-way traffic

Ramban, Sep 19: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for one-way traffic towards Kashmir on Friday, although the movement of vehicles was badly hit by fresh rainfall and ongoing road repair works at Tharad in Udhampur district.

Traffic authorities said heavy vehicles, along with Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) bound for Kashmir, were allowed to proceed towards Srinagar.

However, no passenger LMVB was permitted towards Kashmir on Friday.

Jammu-bound traffic was restricted to LMV passenger vehicles only.

Due to the single-lane condition, uneven road surface, and intermittent rains, traffic moved at a snail’s pace at Tharad between Chenani and Udhampur.

A fresh spell of afternoon showers worsened the situation as water and slush entered the 250-300 metre clay stretch at Tharad, forcing authorities to briefly halt traffic for clearing muck and filling potholes.

An NHAI official from Udhampur said rainwater was diverted through temporary, makeshift drains and potholes filled with muck to resume traffic movement.

Still and slippery road conditions caused severe difficulties for vehicle operators.

Officials said that hundreds of vehicles carrying essential supplies, including petrol, diesel, LPG cylinder tankers, and other commodities, crossed the landslide-prone Tharad stretch.

They said that after two days of suspension, trucks carrying essentials for Kashmir were finally allowed to move from the joint Traffic and Police check post at Jakhani, Udhampur.

Meanwhile, traffic authorities said backlog clearance had been achieved for nearly 6000 apple-laden trucks moving towards Jammu and other parts of the country on Wednesday and Thursday.

However, long queues of trucks carrying supplies to Kashmir remained stranded beyond Udhampur, at the Police check post and truck yard, waiting for their turn to cross towards Chenani.

Officials said that it takes hours for each truck to clear the Jakhani check post due to the slow pace of regulated movement.

Traffic authorities have once again advised commuters and transporters not to travel on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway without confirming the latest status.

Updates can be obtained from the Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Ramban or through the official X and Facebook handles of J&K Traffic Police.