Kashmir Impulse Desk

Ramban, May 15 

The Srinagar-Jammu highway remained open for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles on Friday, though traffic movement was slow at several locations due to congestion, vehicle breakdowns and the movement of nomadic herds.

Traffic authorities said that, subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, the highway would continue to remain open for two-way traffic on Saturday as well.

Officials said heavy congestion was reported along several stretches of the highway, particularly between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, where single-lane road conditions led to bottlenecks.

Traffic movement was further affected after four heavy vehicles developed technical snags between Nashri and Banihal, disrupting the smooth flow of vehicles.

The movement of nomadic herds along the Nachlana-Banihal stretch also contributed to delays, officials said.

According to the authorities, around 14 nomadic herds crossed the highway on Friday, while several more are expected to move along the route in the coming days.

“Traffic movement on the single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather is likely to remain slow due to the ongoing movement of nomadic herds,” officials said.

Authorities advised commuters to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking, warning that wrong-lane driving could lead to further traffic jams.

Passengers and operators of LMVs were also advised to travel only during daytime and avoid night journeys because of the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing road construction work between Ramban and Banihal.

Traffic Control Units in Jammu and Srinagar, along with district authorities in Ramban, are monitoring the situation, officials said.

Commuters were advised to check traffic and weather updates before undertaking travel on the highway.