Sgr-Jmu NH open for 2-way traffic

Ramban, Jan 13: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles on Tuesday, officials said.

Traffic authorities said that, subject to fair weather and satisfactory road conditions, the highway would remain open for two-way traffic on Wednesday.

Despite being operational throughout the day, traffic movement remained slow at several locations, including Balli Nullah, Dewal, Nashri-Dalwas, Maroog and Kishtwari Pather between Udhampur and Banihal, due to single-lane road conditions.

Officials said the breakdown of two heavy vehicles at different points further contributed to traffic congestion.

Authorities overseeing traffic regulation in Ramban district said that hundreds of LMVs and heavy vehicles crossed the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qazigund tunnels till late Tuesday evening despite the sluggish movement.

In a fresh advisory, the Traffic Department announced that the highway would remain open for all categories of vehicles on Wednesday, subject to fair weather and good road conditions.

LMV operators and private car owners were advised to plan their journeys during daylight hours.

“Night travel should be avoided due to the apprehension of shooting stones and landslides. Ongoing construction activities between the Ramban and Banihal sectors may also cause inconvenience to commuters,” the advisory said.

Drivers were also urged to maintain lane discipline, adhere to traffic rules, and avoid overtaking or driving on the wrong side, violations that often lead to traffic jams and delays on the highway.

Traffic Police personnel, along with district police and highway patrol units, were deployed at major choke points to regulate traffic and ensure the safe movement of vehicles.

Meanwhile, authorities advised the travellers to remain updated with the latest traffic advisories before commencing their journeys. Officials said that the Kishtwar-Sinthan Top-Anantnag National Highway remained closed due to heavy accumulation of snow.