Traffic Advisory for Jammu–Srinagar National Highway: Hazards and Precautions
Banihal, Jan 29: The Traffic Police Headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir has issued a comprehensive traffic plan and advisory for January 29 due to road damage and hazardous conditions on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
The advisory highlights a 40–50 meter single-lane stretch at Kishtwari Pather that has been affected by road sinking, leading to restrictions on Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) movement. To alleviate congestion and ensure commuter safety, HMVs will operate on alternate days.
Passengers and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators are advised to travel on the Jammu–Srinagar highway during daylight hours as night travel is strongly discouraged. The risks include shooting stones, landslides, and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal. Commuters are also warned about frost formation between Nachlana and the Navyug Tunnel, resulting from recent snowfall, which may cause slippery road conditions.
Motorists are reminded to adhere to lane discipline to prevent traffic jams, especially on narrow stretches, by avoiding overtaking and wrong-lane driving.
As per the traffic plan, contingent upon fair weather and improved road conditions, LMVs, passenger vehicles, HPVs, and private cars will be allowed to travel from both Jammu and Srinagar sides on NH-44. However, HMVs will only be permitted from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar after assessing road and traffic conditions. HMVs must not proceed after 2:00 pm, and Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Udhampur will coordinate with TCU Ramban before releasing such traffic.
