Kashmir Impulse Desk

Ramban, May 6 

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) on Wednesday, although traffic moved slowly at several stretches due to congestion, vehicle breakdowns and the movement of nomadic herds, officials said.

Traffic authorities said the highway, also known as NH-44, was expected to remain open on Thursday for all categories of vehicles, including LMVs and heavy motor vehicles, subject to favourable weather and road conditions.

Officials reported major bottlenecks between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, where single-lane stretches led to significant congestion.

Traffic movement was also disrupted after several heavy vehicles broke down near Hingni and Nashri, while the seasonal migration of nomadic herds along the Nachlana-Banihal stretch further delayed traffic flow.

Authorities warned that congestion could persist in the coming days as additional nomadic herds were expected to move through the same route.

Commuters were advised to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking to reduce traffic jams.

Officials also urged passengers and LMV operators to travel during daylight hours and avoid night journeys due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction work along the Ramban-Banihal stretch.

Authorities cautioned that traffic violations, including overtaking and wrong-lane driving, could worsen congestion despite the highway remaining open to all categories of vehicles.

Traffic Control Units in Jammu and Srinagar, along with Ramban district authorities, were monitoring the situation and advised commuters to check the latest road status before travelling.