Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 29

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for two-way traffic on Wednesday, including scheduled convoys of pilgrims travelling for the Amarnath Yatra, but movement was slow because of bottlenecks and ongoing restoration work, traffic officials said.

The worst delays were reported at Dewal in Udhampur district, where recent heavy rain and landslides damaged the highway and left traffic moving along a temporary single-lane stretch.

Traffic was also slow between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, while breakdowns between Ramban and Banihal disrupted movement, officials said.

The Dewal section became a major bottleneck after a landslide last week washed away part of the carriageway, forcing the highway to close and stranding hundreds of passenger vehicles and trucks. The National Highways Authority of India later restored movement through a temporary single-lane alignment.

With more rain forecast, traffic police advised motorists to check road conditions with traffic control units in Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar before travelling.

Authorities said local commuters heading towards Srinagar would not be allowed to proceed from Nagrota after 1 p.m. following the Amarnath Yatra convoy, because of congestion on the narrow temporary carriageway at Dewal.

Private vehicles heading towards Srinagar were advised to use the old Jawahar Tunnel road, while those travelling from Jammu towards Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar were advised to take the Patnitop route.

Traffic police urged motorists to travel during daylight hours, citing risks from shooting stones, fresh landslides and ongoing construction between Ramban and Banihal.

Heavy vehicles carrying fresh produce and livestock continued to be regulated on an alternate-day basis. Fruit growers and transporters heading from Kashmir towards Jammu were advised to load and park vehicles before 9 a.m. at designated locations between the Navyug Tunnel and Levdoora.

Authorities urged motorists to drive cautiously and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain as restoration work continued.