Sgr-Jmu NH reopens for stranded 2-way traffic

Ramban, Jan 28: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway reopened for stranded two-way traffic on Wednesday afternoon after remaining closed since late Monday night due to adverse weather conditions, officials said.

Passenger Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) between Udhampur and Qazigund were allowed to move on priority.

Later, stranded heavy vehicles were also allowed to move towards their respective destinations.

Traffic on the strategic highway had been suspended following fresh snowfall and inclement weather, particularly along the vulnerable Banihal-Qazigund stretch.

Accumulated snow made the road slippery, severely affecting vehicular movement and prompting authorities to halt traffic as a precautionary measure.

Officials said that passenger vehicles were allowed to move in both directions on a regulated basis after an improvement in road conditions.

Commuters were advised to strictly adhere to lane discipline, with traffic authorities warning that overtaking, wrong-lane driving, or reckless manoeuvres could lead to congestion and further delays.

Authorities urged commuters not to rely on rumours regarding road conditions and seek updates only from authentic sources.

The people were advised to check the latest traffic status through the Traffic Policeís official social media platforms, including the Twitter handle @Traffic_hqrs, the official Facebook page, and Traffic Control Units (TCUs) at Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, and Srinagar.

Officials said road clearance operations were continuing and traffic movement would remain subject to prevailing weather and road conditions.

Commuters were advised to travel only after confirming the highwayís status through official channels.

Stranded passenger LMVs were released from both Qazigund and Udhampur following the improvement in conditions.

The highway had been closed on Monday night after snowfall and slippery road conditions affected the Banihal-Ramsoo sector.

Traffic officials said that normal traffic movement on the highway would be fully restored once all stranded vehicles are cleared, adding that regulation was being carried out cautiously in the interest of commuters safety.

Meanwhile, at around 8 pm, a fresh landslide hit and blocked Srinagar bound (up) road tube between Chanderkot and Karool area.

Officials said the road maintenance agency has pressed a machine into service for clearing the accumulated landslide.