SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is likely to remain slow at vulnerable stretches due to single-lane roads, ongoing construction work and the movement of nomadic herds, with the Traffic Police advising commuters to avoid night travel.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, very slow movement was recorded on NH-44 between 4 pm on October 20 and 4 pm on October 21 due to a single-lane, uneven road surface at Dewal in Udhampur and another single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The movement was further affected by the breakdown of two vehicles at Ramban and Ramsoo and the crossing of five nomadic herds between Banihal and Nachlana.
The police said traffic was being regulated at Dewal, where a stretch of around 30 to 40 metres is single-lane. Traffic movement between Marog and Kishtwari Pather is also likely to be affected by the continued movement of nomadic herds.
For October 22, subject to favourable weather and improved road conditions, passenger light motor vehicles (LMVs), private cars and heavy motor vehicles carrying goods will be permitted to travel in both directions on NH-44. Security Forces convoys will also be allowed to move in both directions after confirming road conditions with the Traffic Control Unit at Ramban.
The Traffic Police has advised commuters to undertake journeys during daylight hours and avoid night travel because of the risk of shooting stones and landslides, the movement of nomadic herds and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal. Motorists have also been asked to maintain lane discipline, avoid overtaking and wrong-lane driving, and refrain from unnecessary stops, particularly near vulnerable stretches.
