SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police has issued a detailed advisory for Wednesday, warning commuters of slow traffic, ongoing road construction and adverse weather conditions on parts of National Highway-44 (NH-44).The Traffic Police said very slow movement was recorded on NH-44 between 4 pm on October 5 and 4 pm on October 6, particularly at Dawal in Udhampur and along the Marog–Kishtwari Pather stretch, where single-lane and uneven road sections have affected traffic flow.The situation was further impacted by the breakdown of four vehicles between Nashri and Ramsoo and the movement of 11 nomadic herds along the Banihal–Nachlana route. Traffic on the Marog–Kishtwari Pather section is expected to remain slow due to continued movement of nomadic herds, with motorists advised to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking.In view of the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of rainfall, commuters have been advised to confirm road conditions with the concerned Traffic Control Units before starting their journey.At Dawal in Udhampur, traffic is being regulated due to a 30–40 metre single-lane stretch. The Traffic Police has also advised passengers and light motor vehicle operators to travel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway during daylight hours and avoid night journeys due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides, nomadic herds and ongoing construction between Ramban and Banihal.Movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will remain restricted on the Digdol–Khooni Nalla stretch between 7 am and 7 pm due to widening work being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India. Loaded tankers carrying inflammable material have also been restricted from passing through tunnels.According to the advisory, up tankers will be permitted beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am. Tanker operators have been asked to plan their journeys accordingly.The Traffic Police has advised heavy motor vehicle operators to avoid overloading, carry sufficient fuel and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy. Goods carriers transporting fresh perishables or livestock have also been asked to follow the traffic advisories issued from time to time.Commuters have been advised to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly at locations vulnerable to landslides and shooting stones.Traffic Plan for October 7Subject to favourable weather and improved road conditions, passenger light motor vehicles, private cars and goods-carrying heavy motor vehicles will be permitted to travel in both directions on NH-44 between Jammu and Srinagar. Security Forces vehicles will also be allowed in both directions after confirmation from the Traffic Control Unit at Ramban.On NH-244, the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag route, light motor vehicles will be permitted in both directions subject to favourable weather, road conditions and clearance from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Vehicles will be allowed from PP Parana towards Anantnag between 8 am and 4 pm and from Dakaum towards Kishtwar between 9 am and 4 pm.On the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari road, light motor vehicles will be allowed in both directions subject to weather conditions, road status and clearance from the concerned maintenance agencies. Vehicles will be permitted from Sonamarg towards Kargil and Minamarg towards Srinagar up to 1 pm.Heavy motor vehicles will be permitted from Minamarg towards Srinagar between noon and 5 pm, with no movement allowed after 5 pm. Motorists have been advised to carry and use anti-skid chains on slippery stretches.On Mughal Road (NH-701A), vehicular movement will be permitted in both directions, subject to fair weather, road conditions and clearance from the General Reserve Engineer Force. Light motor vehicles, followed by heavy motor vehicles of up to 10 tyres, will be allowed between 7 am and 6 pm.Vehicles will move from Chandimarh (Baffilaz) towards Shopian and from Herpora in Shopian towards Poonch. No vehicle will be permitted after the prescribed cut-off times.The Traffic Police has urged commuters to confirm the latest road conditions with designated Traffic Control Units before commencing their journey.
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