Ramban, Sep 1: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for regulated two-way traffic on Tuesday, with vehicular movement continuing along the Udhampur-Banihal corridor despite slowdowns at several vulnerable stretches due to ongoing restoration, widening and road improvement works.
According to traffic authorities, traffic movement remained particularly slow at Dewal in Udhampur district, where an approximately 30–40-metre portion of the highway was damaged following recent rains.
The affected stretch has developed an uneven surface and undulations, prompting authorities to regulate traffic through a single lane to ensure the safe movement of vehicles.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery at the affected locations and is carrying out restoration work. Officials said efforts were being made to repair the damaged portions and improve the road surface at the earliest.
Restoration work is also underway on the Srinagar-bound tube at Dewal, where erosion caused by recent rainfall has resulted in single-lane movement at two to three locations.
Traffic is being regulated carefully at these points to minimise congestion and ensure the safety of commuters.
In Ramban district, traffic remained regulated along the Maroog–Kishtwari Pather stretch, where vehicles were negotiating restricted single-lane portions amid ongoing construction and road improvement works. Though traffic remained largely manageable, intermittent slowdowns were reported at construction zones and other damage-affected locations.
Officials at the Traffic Control Unit (TCU), Ramban, said the highway continued to remain open and traffic was being managed through the available carriageways. Traffic personnel have been deployed at vulnerable points to regulate vehicular movement and facilitate the safe passage of commuters.
Authorities cautioned that the condition of NH-44 remained sensitive to weather changes, particularly in view of intermittent rainfall and extensive construction activity along the highway.
Commuters have been advised to check the latest traffic status before starting their journey and strictly follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities.
Passenger and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators travelling between Ramban and Banihal have been advised to prefer daylight hours and avoid unnecessary night travel due to the possibility of shooting stones, landslides, mudslides and other weather-related hazards at vulnerable locations.
Motorists have also been urged to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking, wrong-lane driving and unnecessary stoppages at sensitive points, as such violations can lead to congestion and further disrupt traffic movement on already restricted stretches.
Meanwhile, in view of the ongoing widening work being undertaken by NHAI along the Digdol–Khooni Nalla section of NH-44, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers remains restricted during daytime hours. As per the traffic advisory, such tankers are permitted to proceed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
Heavy vehicle operators have been advised to strictly adhere to prescribed loading norms and avoid overloading. They have also been asked to ensure proper vehicle fitness and carry adequate fuel, keeping in view the possibility of delays caused by traffic regulation, road repairs, construction activity and adverse weather conditions.
Traffic authorities further said that the highway could be regulated, diverted or temporarily closed in case of fresh landslides, shooting stones, mudslides, road damage or any other obstruction posing a threat to vehicular movement and public safety.
Commuters have been advised to remain in contact with the Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar and obtain the latest status before and during their journey.
Authorities reiterated that cooperation from motorists, strict adherence to traffic restrictions and lane discipline are essential for maintaining safe and smooth movement on NH-44 while restoration, widening and other infrastructure works continue at multiple locations.
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