Srinagar Jammu NH to remain open for 2-way traffic
Ramban, Nov 16: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way movement of light, medium, and heavy vehicles on Sunday, traffic officials said.
In a fresh advisory issued for Monday, the Traffic department announced that, subject to fair weather and good road conditions, NH-44 would continue to remain open for two-way traffic of all categories of vehicles.
Officials monitoring the traffic regulation said that although the highway 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 - due to single-lane road conditions.
The breakdown of a few heavy vehicles at different locations further contributed to the sluggish flow of traffic.
Despite the slow movement, hundreds of light, medium, and heavy vehicles crossed the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qazigund tunnels till late Sunday evening, officials added.
Authorities urged operators of light motor vehicles and private car owners to plan their travel during daylight hours.
“Night travel should be avoided, as the movement of heavy vehicles between the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qazigund (Navyug) tunnels during late hours may cause inconvenience to commuters,” the advisory stated.
Drivers were also reminded to maintain lane discipline, follow traffic regulations, and avoid overtaking or driving on the wrong side violations that frequently lead to congestion and delays along the highway.
Travellers have been advised to stay updated with the latest traffic advisories before starting their journeys.
It is pertinent to mention that four-laning and tunnel construction work is currently underway at multiple locations between Udhampur–Ramban and Ramban–Banihal, resulting in periodic slowdowns.
Meanwhile, a group of residents in Ramban on Sunday told Greater Kashmir that the ongoing four-lane project, including tunnel construction works in the district, was progressing at a slow pace.
They appealed to the concerned authorities to direct the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite and complete the project at the earliest, especially on the Ramban–Banihal stretch.
