Srinagar, Dec 18 : In view of the forecast of heavy rain and snowfall across Kashmir from December 20, Traffic Police Rural Kashmir has issued a comprehensive advisory urging commuters to exercise caution, especially while travelling on hilly routes.
According to an official advisory as per news agency JKNS said that vehicular movement on hilly roads, wherever permitted, will be regulated strictly as per cut-off timings and daily traffic advisories issued by Traffic Headquarters J&K. Motorists have been advised to confirm travel timings in advance through Traffic Police Control Room (TPCR) Kashmir before undertaking their journey.
The advisory cautions that vehicle breakdowns on hilly stretches during adverse weather can lead to serious incidents. Drivers have been asked to ensure that their vehicles are properly equipped with anti-skid chains, sufficient fuel, functional batteries, headlights, wipers, and overall roadworthiness.
Commuters have also been advised to strictly follow traffic rules by wearing seat belts and helmets, maintaining safe distance, adhering to prescribed speed limits, avoiding overtaking on slippery roads, refraining from roadside parking, and ensuring lane discipline, especially during foggy conditions.
Commercial vehicle operators have been directed to avoid overloading, over-height and over-hanging loads, as such violations significantly increase the risk of accidents and fatalities.
The advisory further states that during inclement weather, travel should preferably be planned during daylight hours only, and designated parking areas should be used to avoid congestion. To prevent traffic jams, only registered anti-skid chain vendors will be permitted to fit chains at designated locations along hilly roads.
Traffic Police Rural Kashmir clarified that during unfavourable weather conditions, vehicular movement on major routes including Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road, Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Gurez-Bandipora Road, Kupwara-Karnah Road and Kupwara-Machil Road will be allowed strictly as per daily traffic advisories issued by Traffic Headquarters J&K.
People have been urged to plan their travel strictly in accordance with official advisories to ensure safety and avoid inconvenience. (JKNS)