Ramban, Sep 29: Vehicular movement on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) was disrupted after a fresh landslide and shooting stones blocked the Jammu-bound tube near Gangroo in the Ramsu area late Tuesday night, prompting authorities to divert traffic through the alternate tube while restoration work began.
Highway official Anit Malik, who is in charge of the southbound stretch near Ramsu, said the landslide occurred during the night and debris continued to affect traffic movement.
“Our entire staff is deployed round the clock at the site. Safety personnel, machinery and other staff are available for the clearance operation. The work has been underway since Tuesday morning, and we expect to clear the affected stretch shortly,” Malik said.
He said the clearance operation could not be undertaken effectively during the night due to the continuing risk of shooting stones and other safety concerns.
“Our teams have been working since morning to remove the debris and restore the road,” he added.
Traffic authorities said NH-44 remained open to regulated two-way traffic, although movement was slow at several locations due to rain-related damage, ongoing four-laning works, restricted carriageway width and the movement of nomadic families with livestock.
At Dewal in Udhampur district, traffic continued to be regulated through a single lane over a rain-damaged stretch measuring around 30–40 metres. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery for restoration and stabilisation work.
Rain-induced erosion has also affected portions of the Srinagar-bound carriageway at two to three locations in the Dewal area. Motorists have been advised to exercise caution while negotiating the affected stretches, particularly during rainfall and reduced visibility.
In Ramban district, traffic remained slow along the Maroog–Kishtwari Pather stretch due to ongoing four-laning works, restricted carriageway width and uneven road conditions.
The Banihal–Nachlana section also witnessed intermittent slowing of traffic due to the movement of nomadic families and livestock herds travelling from the Kashmir valley towards Jammu. Temporary congestion was also reported at some locations following vehicle breakdowns, including in the Nachlana area.
Traffic personnel were deployed at vulnerable points to regulate movement, clear bottlenecks and facilitate the safe passage of vehicles.
Meanwhile, Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers continued to face daytime restrictions beyond Chenani due to widening and construction works along the Digdole–Khooni Nallah section. Officials said such tankers are being permitted to proceed during the designated 5 pm to 5 am window.
Senior Superintendent of Traffic Police, National Highway, Ramban, Raja Adil Hameed, has directed NHAI engineers and concerned construction companies to clear the shoulder areas along the single-lane Maroog–Digdole stretch to facilitate smoother traffic movement. Traffic authorities advised commuters to follow the latest highway advisories, maintain lane discipline and avoid unnecessary stoppages at construction sites and vulnerable stretches.
Passenger light vehicle operators have been advised to undertake journeys on NH-44 during daylight hours, particularly in view of the risk of shooting stones and landslides, movement of nomadic families from the Kashmir valley towards Jammu and ongoing construction works between Ramban and Banihal, which may cause inconvenience to commuters.
Drivers have also been urged to maintain safe speeds while negotiating single-lane and uneven portions of the highway and remain alert to possible shooting stones and fresh landslides.
Officials said NH-44 is expected to remain open to regulated two-way traffic on Wednesday, subject to weather conditions, road clearance and any fresh restrictions imposed based on the ground situation. Commuters have been advised to ascertain the latest highway status before commencing their journey.
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