Ramban, May 2: Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for two-way movement on Saturday, though commuters faced significant delays due to single-lane stretches and the seasonal migration of nomadic herds.
According to traffic authorities, subject to favorable weather and road conditions, only passenger vehicles including light motor vehicles (LMVs), heavy passenger vehicles (HPVs), and private cars would be permitted to travel from both sides of the highway on Sunday.
Heavy vehicles will be allowed to move only after the Secretariat convoy safely crosses the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel later in the afternoon.
Authorities have imposed a restriction on heavy and medium motor vehicles (HMVs and MMVs) for May 3, in view of the annual relocation of government offices from Jammu to Srinagar.
Additionally, goods carriers will not be allowed to proceed beyond Jakheni toward Ramban, Banihal, and Srinagar, or from Qazigund toward Banihal, Ramban, and Udhampur after midnight.
Earlier officials reported that vehicular movement slowed considerably between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, where road conditions have been reduced to a single lane. Additional congestion was observed along the Nachlana–Banihal stretch as nomadic groups continued their migration toward the Kashmir Valley
Authorities have advised passengers and LMV operators to travel during daytime hours only. Night travel has been strongly discouraged due to risks posed by shooting stones, landslides, ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal, and continued nomadic herd movement.
Traffic Control Units in Jammu and Srinagar have been directed to maintain close coordination with Ramban authorities to monitor the evolving situation and regulate vehicle movement effectively.
Officials warned that continued nomadic migration in the coming days is likely to further affect traffic flow and urged commuters to maintain strict lane discipline and avoid overtaking on narrow stretches to prevent congestion.
