The Traffic Police Headquarters in Jammu & Kashmir has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory detailing the movement on crucial routes, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), amid prevailing challenges and road conditions.
Slow Traffic on NH-44
The advisory highlighted the slow movement observed on NH-44 from 08-04-2024 (1700 hrs) to 09-04-2024 (1700 hrs) due to the breakdown of seven heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), single-lane traffic at locations like Dalwas, Mehad, Panthyal, Nachlana, and Shalgarhi, as well as poor road surface conditions between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel.
Travel Recommendations
In light of these circumstances, passengers and light motor vehicle (LMV) operators have been advised to prefer undertaking their journeys during daytime hours. Night travel has been cautioned against due to the apprehension of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.
Advisory for Load Carriers
Load carrier (HMV/LMV) operators transporting fresh perishables or livestock have been advised to load their vehicles as per the advisories issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters from time to time, considering the single-lane traffic and poor road conditions at locations like Dalwas, Panthyal, Nachlana, and Shalgarhi on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Guidelines for HMV Operators/Owners
HMV operators and owners have been requested to refrain from overloading their vehicles and carry sufficient fuel during their journey on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. They have also been advised to double-check the fitness of their vehicles and carry enough fuel before embarking on the journey. Additionally, HMVs with only six and ten tires will be allowed to ply through the Dhar road.
Traffic Plan for April 10, 2024
Subject to fair weather and good road conditions, LMVs (passenger/private cars) will be allowed from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice versa. However, HMVs will be managed in a regulated manner after assessing the road condition.
Cut-off Timings for LMVs
Due to single-lane traffic at locations like Dalwas, Panthyal, Nachlana, and Kishtwari Pather, specific cut-off timings have been set for LMVs from Nagrota (Jammu), Jakheni (Udhampur), and NAVYUG Tunnel (Qazigund side). No vehicles will be allowed after these designated cut-off times, which are subject to change depending on road conditions.
Security Forces Convoy Movement
Security forces have been advised and requested not to ply against the advisory or traffic plan due to the possible traffic congestion caused by the narrow carriage way between Nashree and Banihal on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. They may ply from Srinagar towards Jammu on April 10 after confirming the status of the National Highway from the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Ramban.
Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari Road
Subject to fair weather and good road conditions (after receiving the green signal from road maintenance agencies), only one-way traffic for LMVs 4X4 (passenger/load carrier) from Srinagar towards Kargil will be allowed on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road. These vehicles will be allowed from Sonamarg between 0930 hrs and 1300 hrs. Motorists have been advised to carry anti-skid chains to gain better grip on slippery roads. No vehicle will be allowed without anti-skid chains or after the cut-off timing.
Bhaderwah-Chamba Road
The advisory also mentioned that the Bhaderwah-Chamba road remains blocked due to snow accumulation.
Compliance for Safety
The Traffic Police Headquarters has urged all commuters to adhere to these advisories and traffic plans for their safety and to ensure smooth traffic movement across the region’s roadways.
