Ramban, Oct 26: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for regulated two-way traffic on Monday, even as vehicular movement was slow at several stretches between Udhampur and Banihal due to ongoing construction work, narrow road sections, uneven surfaces and vehicle breakdowns.
According to traffic authorities, three vehicles broke down between Ramban and Ramsoo, while the movement of three nomadic herds across the Banihal-Nachlana stretch further affected traffic flow.
Slow movement was also reported at Dawal in Udhampur, where a 30–40-metre stretch has been reduced to a single lane, and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather due to a narrow carriageway and uneven road surface.
Traffic authorities said the highway would remain open for two-way traffic on Tuesday, subject to favourable weather and road conditions. Light motor vehicles, passenger vehicles and goods-carrying heavy vehicles would be permitted to travel in both directions, subject to prevailing conditions and traffic regulations.
Commuters have been advised to maintain lane discipline, avoid overtaking and wrong-lane driving, and refrain from unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide-prone and shooting-stone areas.
Passengers and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to travel during daylight hours and avoid night journeys due to the risk of shooting stones and landslides, the movement of nomadic herds and ongoing construction work along the Ramban-Banihal stretch.
Meanwhile, in view of widening work being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) along the Digdol-Khooni Nallah stretch, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will remain restricted during daytime hours, from 7 am to 7 pm.
Traffic authorities said vehicles carrying inflammable material, whose movement through tunnels is restricted, would be allowed to proceed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
Tanker operators have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays and ensure safety. Operators transporting perishable goods and livestock have also been urged to follow the latest advisories issued by Traffic Police Headquarters.
Heavy motor vehicle operators have been advised against overloading and asked to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and carry sufficient fuel before embarking on their journeys.
Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu and Srinagar will remain in coordination with TCU Ramban to monitor road conditions and regulate vehicular movement along the highway.
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