Srinagar-Jammu NH open

Ramban, Feb 22: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open on Sunday for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) while heavy vehicles were permitted to ply in one direction towards Kashmir.

Traffic authorities said that, subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, the highway will continue to remain open on Monday for two-way movement of LMVs.

However, heavy vehicles will be allowed to move towards Jammu only after an assessment of road and traffic conditions.

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

Officials said hundreds of private cars and passenger LMVs plied on both sides of the highway during the day despite these bottlenecks.

The Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Department issued a fresh advisory stating that, weather permitting, LMVs would be allowed from both sides of NH-44 on Monday.

Heavy vehicles would be released from Qazigund towards Jammu after coordination between the Traffic Control Units (TCUs) of Srinagar and Ramban to ensure smooth regulation.

The highway remained open with a steady flow of vehicles, mostly load carriers, crossing the Ramban-Banihal sector.

Authorities attributed the slow movement to narrow stretches between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather, breakdown of a few heavy vehicles, and the damaged portion caused by road subsidence.

Due to the affected stretch at Kishtwari Pather, heavy vehicles are being allowed to move on alternate days.

Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake travel during daytime hours only.

Night travel has been discouraged owing to the risk of shooting stones, landslides, and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.

Meanwhile, NH-244 (Kishtwar-Sinthantop-Anantnag road) continues to remain closed due to snow accumulation over the past several weeks.

Commuters have been advised to confirm the latest road status with the Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Ramban before planning their journeys.