Srinagar, Aug 8 (GNS):Traffic movement remained very slow on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway NH-44 over the last 24 hours due to single-lane and uneven stretches at Dawal in Udhampur, and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. Four vehicles also broke down between Ramban and Banihal, officials said.
An official of Traffic police told GNS that regulated traffic was managed at Dawal, Udhampur where the road narrows to about 30-40 meters.
In view of the inclement weather forecast by the IMD with likely rainfall over the next few days, the public has been advised to undertake journey on NH-44 only after confirming road status from Traffic Control Units at Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu. Commuters have also been asked to check updates on the J&K Traffic Police Twitter handle and Facebook page.
The advisory urged passengers and LMV operators to prefer daytime travel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway and to avoid night travel due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal. People have been asked to avoid unnecessary halts, especially near vulnerable slide zones.
For goods carriers, the advisory said vehicles carrying fresh perishable items and livestock should be loaded as per earlier Traffic Police instructions, as HMVs will be allowed to ply on alternate days only. Operators have also been requested to avoid overloading, ensure vehicle fitness and carry sufficient fuel.
Subject to fair weather and road conditions, LMVs including passenger and private cars will be allowed from both sides on NH-44, from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice versa. HMVs and load carriers will be permitted on alternate days only. TCUs at Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with Ramban before releasing traffic.
For HMVs moving from Qazigund towards Jammu, movement will be allowed subject to weather and traffic assessment, but no HMV will be permitted after 7:00 PM.
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244, LMVs will be allowed from both sides between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM from PP Parana towards Anantnag, and between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM from Daksum towards Kishtwar, subject to clearance from NHIDCL.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, LMVs will be allowed from both sides up to 1:00 PM. HMVs will be permitted from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Motorists have been advised to carry anti-skid chains.
On the Mughal Road, subject to clearance from GREF, LMVs followed by HMVs up to ten tyres will be allowed from both sides between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, from Chandimarh towards Shopian and from Herpora towards Poonch.
Army and other security forces have been asked to plan convoy movements in a manner that does not disturb civilian traffic.
Traffic authorities have reiterated that people should confirm road status from TCUs before starting their journey.(GNS)
