Authorities implement emergency measures, advise commuters to travel only during daylight and confirm road status before journey.
SRINAGAR, Jan 29: Traffic authorities on Wednesday announced a restrictive movement plan for the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) after a 40-50 metre section of the road sank at Kishtwari Pather, severely disrupting the vital surface link to the Kashmir Valley.
Officials told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) the damage has reduced the stretch to a single lane, creating a major bottleneck. To manage the congestion, an alternate-day plan for Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) has been enforced.
Key regulations for Thursday, January 29, are as follows: Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), including private cars, will be allowed to ply from both Jammu and Srinagar, subject to fair weather and road conditions.
Heavy Motor Vehicles will only be permitted to travel from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar, following a road assessment. A strict cut-off of 2:00 PM (1400 hrs) will be imposed for such vehicles.
Security force convoys have been specifically advised to coordinate with the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) in Ramban and avoid movement against the traffic plan to prevent gridlock. If necessary, they may move from Jammu towards Srinagar only after confirming the highway status.
A senior traffic department official urged commuters to avoid night travel on the highway, particularly between Ramban and Banihal, due to risks of shooting stones, landslides, and ongoing construction work. The advisory also warned of slippery conditions from frost formation near the Navyug Tunnel.
“Commuters, especially LMV operators, are advised to travel during daylight hours only and adhere strictly to lane discipline. Overtaking or wrong-side driving will exacerbate congestion on the narrow carriageway,” the official stated.
The situation is compounded by the closure of all major alternate routes into the valley due to heavy snowfall. The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road, and the Mughal Road remain blocked for vehicular traffic.
The public is advised to confirm the latest road status from official Traffic Control Units before undertaking any journey. (KNS)
