Srinagar: The Traffic Police Headquarters of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday issued a traffic plan and advisory for March 8 regarding vehicular movement on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and other key routes across the Union Territory.
According to the advisory, slow vehicular movement was observed between Marog and Kishtwari Pather on NH-44 on Friday evening due to the breakdown of two heavy motor vehicles. Authorities said efforts are being made to regulate traffic flow along the stretch.
Traffic officials advised passengers and light motor vehicle operators to undertake journeys on the Jammu–Srinagar highway during daytime only, as night travel has been discouraged due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing road construction between Ramban and Banihal.
Commuters have also been urged to maintain lane discipline, warning that overtaking or driving on the wrong side may lead to congestion along the highway.
According to the traffic plan, subject to fair weather and better road conditions, LMVs including passenger vehicles and private cars will be allowed to ply on the highway from both sides between Jammu and Srinagar.
Traffic Control Units in Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with the Traffic Control Unit Ramban before allowing vehicular movement to ensure the road is clear and safe.
Security forces convoy movement will also be permitted on the highway from both sides after confirming the status of the road.
On the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag route (NH-244), vehicles will be allowed to move from Daksum towards Anantnag and from PP Parana towards Daksum between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, subject to weather conditions and clearance from road maintenance agencies.
For the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Kargil road, authorities said light motor vehicles equipped with anti-skid chains will be allowed to travel from Srinagar towards Kargil between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, after receiving clearance from road maintenance agencies.
Officials cautioned that the Zojila axis remains avalanche prone and motorists have been advised to carry anti-skid chains to ensure better traction on slippery road surfaces.
Traffic officials said security forces convoy movement from Srinagar towards Kargil will be allowed after confirmation from the District Magistrate’s office.
Meanwhile, on the Mughal Road, passenger vehicles including private cars and light motor vehicles will be allowed to travel from Chandimarh towards Shopian and from Herpora towards Chandimarh between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, subject to weather conditions.
Authorities also advised the public to confirm road status before undertaking travel and provided helpline numbers of Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban and Udhampur for real-time updates. (KNT)
