Ramban, Jan 31: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway remained open on Saturday for the two-way movement of passenger light motor vehicles (LMVs), while heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) were allowed to ply towards Kashmir, the traffic authorities said.
They said subject to fair weather and good road conditions National Highway 44 would remain open for two-way traffic of light medium vehicles and one-way traffic of heavy vehicles for Jammu on Sunday. Officials said that due to a 20-30 metre single-lane stretch at Kishtwari Pather, where a portion of the road has sunk, vehicular traffic movement remained slow. Officials said heavy vehicles will operate on an alternate-day basis between Udhampur and Qazigund.
Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake travel during daytime only, as night travel is being discouraged due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Authorities also cautioned commuters about possible slippery road conditions due to frost formation between Nachlana and the Navyug Tunnel following recent snowfall.
Commuters have been urged to maintain lane discipline, with officials warning that overtaking and wrong-lane driving could lead to traffic congestion. Earlier in the day, hundreds of LMVs plied on both sides of the highway towards Jammu and Srinagar. HMVs were allowed to move towards Jammu however traffic movement remained slow.
Subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, LMVs, passenger vehicles, Heavy passenger service vehicles (HPSVs) and private cars will be allowed from both Jammu and Srinagar sides. However, HMVs will be permitted only from Qazigund, Kashmir towards Jammu after assessment of the road and traffic situation. The Traffic Control Unit Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban before releasing HMV traffic. Meanwhile, the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag National Highway (NH-244) remains closed for vehicular movement due to snow accumulation. People have been advised to confirm the latest road status from Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Ramban before undertaking travel.
