Srinagar-Jammu NH open for 2-way traffic

Ramban, Mar 4: The National Highway 44, connecting Srinagar and Jammu, remained open on Wednesday for two-way movement of light, medium and heavy motor vehicles, officials said.

Traffic authorities stated that, subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, the highway is expected to remain open on Thursday as well.

A fresh assessment of road and traffic conditions will be conducted before allowing the movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) from both sides. However, vehicular movement was reported to be slow at several locations between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather due to single-lane stretches and ongoing four-laning works between Ramban and Banihal. The breakdown of a few heavy vehicles along the route further contributed to congestion.

Despite bottlenecks, hundreds of private cars and light to medium passenger vehicles plied on both sides of the highway throughout the day. Officials said the Ramban–Banihal sector witnessed a steady flow of vehicles, primarily load carriers, till the filing of this report. The Traffic Department, in a fresh advisory, said that subject to favourable weather and road conditions, LMVs and HMVs would be permitted to ply from both Srinagar and Jammu sides on Thursday.

Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake travel only during daytime hours. Authorities have discouraged night travel due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction activity along the Ramban–Banihal stretch. Meanwhile, National Highway 244 (Kishtwar–Sinthantop–Anantnag) continues to remain closed due to heavy accumulation of snow over the past several weeks. Commuters have been advised to check the latest road status with Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Ramban before planning their journeys.