Srinagar Jammu NH witnesses slow vehicular movement

Ramban Dec 18: Srinagar Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way traffic of light, medium and heavy motor vehicles on Thursday, officials said, though commuters faced slow movement at several points due to road bottlenecks and vehicle breakdowns.

Traffic authorities reported congestion at single-lane stretches including Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The situation was further compounded by the breakdown of three heavy motor vehicles on the highway.

Earlier in the morning, traffic movement was disrupted following two separate accidents involving oil tankers that overturned on the Ramban Flyover near Cafeteria. Vehicular movement was later restored after traffic was diverted to the second two-lane road on the flyover.

Advising caution, authorities urged passengers and operators of light motor vehicles to prefer travel on the Jammu–Srinagar highway during daytime and avoid night journeys. They cautioned that the movement of heavy vehicles between the Nashri Tunnel and Navyug Tunnel could cause inconvenience to commuters.

Commuters were also advised to strictly follow lane discipline, warning that overtaking and wrong-lane driving could lead to further congestion.

Meanwhile, in a fresh traffic advisory issued for Friday, authorities said that subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, light motor vehicles, passenger vehicles, HPSVs, private cars and heavy motor vehicles (goods carriers) would be allowed from both sides on NH-44, from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa.

Regarding the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road (NH-244), authorities said that subject to fair weather and clearance from NHIDCL, only light motor vehicles would be permitted from both sides. These vehicles would be allowed to pass through Parana and Daksum checkpoints between 10 am and 3 pm.

Traffic authorities have urged commuters to remain updated with advisories and cooperate to ensure smooth movement on the highways.