Srinagar, Aug 3 (GNS): Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained very slow over the last 24 hours due to single-lane stretches and poor road conditions, while authorities have issued a detailed traffic advisory for August 4 in view of inclement weather.
According to GNS, Traffic Police Headquarters said that between 4:00 PM on Aug 2 and 4:00 PM on Aug 3, slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to the single, undulating and uneven surface at Dawal in Udhampur and the single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The movement was further affected by the breakdown of two vehicles at Nachlana and Marog.
With the IMD forecasting rainfall over the next few days, the department has advised the general public to undertake journey only after confirming the status of the road from TCUs at Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu. Commuters have also been asked to check updates on the J&K Traffic Police Twitter handle and Facebook page.
Restoration work is still in progress at the Dawal slide near Dawal Bridge in Samroli area of Udhampur. The affected stretch has been reduced to a single carriageway with a highly slushy, muddy and extremely slippery surface.
The decision regarding vehicular movement will be taken tomorrow after getting the green signal from NHAI and assessing the road condition. Commuters are advised to avoid travelling on NH-44 until the highway is declared safe. People have been urged not to pay heed to rumors.
Subject to fair weather and clearance from NHIDCL, LMVs and private passenger cars will be allowed from both sides. Vehicles will be allowed from PP Parana towards Anantnag between 0800 hrs and 1600 hrs, and from Daksum towards Kishtwar between 0900 hrs and 1600 hrs. No vehicle will be allowed after the cut-off timings.
As per Divisional Commissioner Kashmir’s order, LMVs will be allowed from both sides between Sonamarg and Kargil, up to 1300 hrs, after receiving clearance from road maintenance agencies. HMVs will be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar between 1200 hrs and 1700 hrs. No vehicle will be allowed after 1700 hrs. Motorists have been advised to carry anti-skid chains. Security Forces’ convoys have been asked to plan movement to avoid disturbing civil traffic.
Subject to fair weather and GREF clearance, LMVs followed by HMVs up to ten tyres will be allowed from both sides. Traffic will be permitted from Chandimarh (Baffliaz) towards Shopian and from Herpora (Shopian) towards Poonch between 0700 hrs and 1800 hrs. No vehicle will be allowed after the cut-off.
Authorities said TCUs in Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar will inform the public about timings and road status.(GNS)
