Srinagar Jammu NH witnesses sluggish vehicular movement

Ramban, Nov 30: Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way movement of light, medium, and heavy vehicles on Sunday, traffic authorities said.

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

Officials monitoring traffic regulation informed that although the highway remained functional in both directions throughout the day, vehicular movement was slow at several stretches, including Balli Nullah, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas, Maroog, and Kishtwari Pather between Udhampur and Banihal.

The single-lane road conditions at multiple locations and the breakdown of few heavy vehicles further contributed to the sluggish flow of traffic.

Despite the intermittent slowdowns, hundreds of light, medium, and heavy vehicles crossed the Chenani–Nashri and Banihal–Qazigund tunnels till late Sunday evening, officials added.

Authorities have 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 have once again been reminded to maintain strict lane discipline, adhere to traffic regulations, and refrain from overtaking or driving on the wrong side — violations that often lead to congestion and delays on the highway.

Officials have also advised travellers to stay updated with the latest traffic advisories before starting their journey.

It is pertinent to mention that four-laning work on the highway, including road and tunnel construction, is presently underway at multiple locations between Udhampur–Ramban and Ramban–Banihal.