Srinagar–Jammu highway open, traffic slow in Ramban–Banihal stretch

Ramban, Feb 19: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open on Thursday for two-way traffic of light and medium passenger vehicles, while heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) were allowed to ply in one direction towards Jammu.

Traffic authorities said the highway will continue to remain open on Friday for two-way movement of light motor vehicles (LMVs) and one-way movement of heavy vehicles towards Kashmir, subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions.

However, traffic movement remained slow at several locations between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather due to single-lane stretches, ongoing four-lane construction works, and subsidence affecting a 20–30 metre stretch of road at Kishtwari Pather.

Officials said hundreds of private cars and light-to-medium passenger vehicles plied on both sides of the highway throughout the day.

The Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Department issued a fresh advisory for Friday, stating that, subject to fair weather and road clearance, LMVs will be permitted to move from both sides of NH-44. HMVs will be allowed from Udhampur towards Kashmir after assessment of road and traffic conditions.