Srinagar–Jammu highway open, traffic slow on Ramban- Banihal stretch

Ramban, Feb 14: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway remained open on Saturday with two-way traffic for light and medium vehicles and one-way movement of heavy vehicles, though traffic slowed between Ramban and Banihal due to road subsidence, single-lane stretches and ongoing construction, officials said.

Traffic authorities said National Highway 44 would remain open on Sunday as well for two-way traffic of light medium vehicles and one way traffic of heavy vehicles.

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

Officials said hundreds of private cars and light and medium passenger vehicles travelled on both sides of the highway throughout the day. Heavy vehicles, including oil and LPG gas tankers, were allowed to move towards Kashmir.

Till the filing of this report, the highway remained open.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Department issued a fresh advisory for Sunday, stating that subject to fair weather and road clearance, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) will be allowed to move from both Jammu and Srinagar sides. Heavy Motor Vehicles will be permitted from Jakhani in Udhampur to Srinagar after an assessment of the road and traffic conditions.

The Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Srinagar has been directed to coordinate with TCU Ramban before releasing HMVs.

Traffic authorities said slow movement was also reported due to the breakdown of a few heavy vehicles. The road subsidence at Kishtwari Pather has necessitated the movement of heavy vehicles on an alternate-day basis. They said Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) would be allowed to ply on alternate days to regulate traffic and prevent congestion.

Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake travel during daytime hours, as night movement remains risky due to shooting stones, landslides, and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.

Commuters have been urged to maintain lane discipline, warning that overtaking and wrong-lane driving could trigger traffic congestion.

Officials added that HMVs may be allowed from Qazigund towards Jammu only after further assessment of road conditions, with coordination among Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Srinagar, and Ramban.

Meanwhile, the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag National Highway (NH-244) remains closed for vehicular movement due to heavy snow accumulation.

People have been advised to plan their journeys only after confirming the latest road status from Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Ramban.