Srinagar Aug 2 (GNS): Traffic Police Headquarters J&K has issued a detailed advisory for commuters in view of slow traffic on NH-44, inclement weather forecast, and the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.
Officials told GNS that from 4:00 PM on Aug 1 to 4:00 PM on Aug 2, very slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to single-lane, uneven stretches at Dewal, Udhampur and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. Breakdown of two vehicles at Magerkot and Marog further aggravated congestion.
In view of the IMD forecast of rainfall over the next few days, the public has been advised to undertake journey only after confirming road status from TCUs in Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu. Updates are also available on J&K Traffic Police’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
Due to extensive damage at Dewal, Udhampur causing slow movement on a rough 30-40 meter single carriageway, inter-district movement of local commuters within J&K will not be allowed after 1:00 PM from Nagrota, Jammu. The window will be given after the Yatra convoy passes. Commuters must carry valid photo ID cards.
Local commuters in private vehicles heading towards Srinagar have been asked to use the old road via Jawahar Tunnel to avoid screening at Lamber, Banihal. Those travelling to Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar from Jammu are advised to take the old road via Patnitop to avoid screening at Nashri.
Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to travel on Jammu-Srinagar NHW during daytime only. Night travel is discouraged due to risk of shooting stones, landslides, ongoing construction between Ramban-Banihal and Yatra traffic.
Goods carriers with fresh perishable/live stock should load as per advisories. HMVs will be allowed on alternate days only.
Fruit growers and load carriers moving from Valley to Jammu are asked to park vehicles by 9:00 AM daily at designated places between NAVYUG Tunnel and Levdoora on days of down convoy for smooth movement.
HMV operators have been urged to avoid overloading, ensure vehicle fitness and carry sufficient fuel.
Commuters are also asked to avoid halting unnecessarily between Ramban and Banihal, especially near landslide and shooting stone zones.
Subject to weather and road conditions, SANJY convoy and LMVs/private cars will be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. HMVs/load carriers will ply on alternate days. TCU Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban before releasing traffic.
Cutt off time:- Nagrota (Jammu) to Srinagar: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Jakheni (Udhampur) to Srinagar: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Qazigund to Jammu: 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
For HMVs from Qazigund to Jammu: movement allowed till 7:00 PM only, subject to conditions.
In view of the Yatra, empty tankers of petrol, diesel, LPG, FCI vehicles and up to 10-tyre perishable carriers returning to Jammu have been directed to use only Mughal Road on days when up HMV convoy is scheduled on NH-44, as per Div Com Kashmir order.
Army and other security forces have been asked to plan movement after SANJY convoys to avoid hampering civilian traffic.
LMVs to ply from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM from PP Parana to Anantnag, and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Daksum to Kishtwar, subject to green signal.
LMVs allowed up to 1:00 PM both sides. HMVs from Sonamarg to Kargil between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Anti-skid chains advised.
Movement allowed from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM both sides – Chandimarh to Shopian and Herpora to Poonch – subject to clearance.
Officials said all timings are subject to fair weather and road clearance from maintenance agencies. Commuters are urged to confirm road status before starting journey.(GNS)
