Srinagar–Jammu NH open for 2-way traffic

Ramban, Jan 18: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way traffic for light, medium, and heavy vehicles on Sunday, officials said, bringing relief to commuters and transporters travelling between Kashmir and Jammu.

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

However, vehicular movement was slow at several locations during the day due to single-lane stretches and road maintenance works. Traffic congestion was reported at Balli Nullah, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas, Maroog, and Kishtwari Pather stretches between Udhampur and Banihal. The situation was further worsened by the breakdown of two heavy vehicles at different points, leading to delays.

Despite these challenges, hundreds of light, medium, and heavy vehicles successfully crossed the Chenani–Nashri and Banihal–Qazigund tunnels until late Saturday evening, officials regulating traffic in Ramban district said.

In a fresh advisory issued for Monday, the Traffic Department reiterated that NH-44 would remain open for all categories of vehicles during daytime, subject to fair weather and road conditions. Light motor vehicle operators and private car owners were advised to plan their journeys during daylight hours and strictly avoid night travel.

“Night travel should be avoided due to the apprehension of shooting stones and landslides. Ongoing construction work between the Ramban and Banihal sectors may also cause inconvenience to commuters,” the advisory stated. Drivers were urged to maintain lane discipline, follow traffic regulations, and refrain from overtaking or wrong-side driving, which often leads to traffic jams and prolonged delays. Meanwhile, commuters were advised to remain updated with the latest traffic advisories before commencing their journeys. Authorities also informed that the Kishtwar–Sinthan Top–Anantnag National Highway (NH-244) has remained closed for several days due to heavy snowfall and accumulation of snow along the route.