Srinagar: Authorities have not yet cleared vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) for Tuesday, saying a decision will be taken after assessing the road condition and receiving clearance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
According to the Traffic Police, traffic on NH-44 remained slow over the past 24 hours due to single-lane stretches and poor road conditions at Dawal in Udhampur and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The breakdown of two vehicles at Nachlana and Marog further affected movement.
Restoration work is underway at the landslide-hit Dawal stretch near Dawal Bridge in the Samroli area of Udhampur, where traffic is restricted to a single carriageway with a slushy and slippery surface.
In view of the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of rain over the coming days, commuters have been advised to undertake travel only after confirming the highway status with Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar. Authorities also urged people not to pay heed to rumours.
Traffic Police said the decision on reopening the highway would depend on weather conditions, the condition of the road and clearance from NHAI.
Subject to favourable weather and clearance from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), light motor vehicles (LMVs) and private passenger vehicles will be allowed on the Sinthan Road from both sides between the notified timings.
Similarly, subject to weather conditions and clearance from road maintenance agencies, traffic on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Kargil road and the Mughal Road will be regulated according to the prescribed schedule. Motorists using the Srinagar-Kargil road have been advised to carry anti-skid chains.
Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar will issue updated information on road conditions and traffic movement, officials said.