Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 14
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open to regulated two-way traffic on Friday, although vehicle movement was slow at several vulnerable stretches in Udhampur and Ramban districts, traffic authorities said.
Hundreds of light, medium and heavy vehicles travelled through the Udhampur-Banihal section, with traffic being permitted from both Jammu and Srinagar subject to road and weather conditions.
Movement was particularly slow at Dewal in Udhampur, where vehicles were being regulated through a damaged and uneven single-lane section of about 40 metres.
Ongoing highway construction and road-improvement work further restricted movement at the location.
Traffic was also moving slowly along the Maroog-Kishtwari Pather stretch in Ramban, where vehicles were negotiating another single-lane section amid construction and damaged road conditions.
Heavy vehicles faced particular difficulty at the vulnerable stretches and required close regulation by traffic personnel.
Several heavy vehicles also broke down between Nashri and Banihal during the day, temporarily disrupting traffic and causing minor congestion.
Traffic personnel were deployed at vulnerable points to manage movement and clear broken-down or stranded vehicles.
Authorities advised commuters to check the latest highway status before travelling because of the possibility of further rainfall.
Passengers and light motor vehicle operators were advised to travel between Ramban and Banihal during daylight hours and avoid night journeys because of the risk of shooting stones, landslides and other weather-related hazards.
Motorists were told to avoid unnecessary stops at vulnerable points and maintain lane discipline. Authorities also warned against overtaking, driving on the wrong side and other violations that could cause congestion on the already restricted highway.
Truck operators carrying fresh produce, other perishable goods and livestock were instructed to comply with loading regulations.
Heavy motor vehicle operators were advised to avoid overloading, ensure their vehicles were roadworthy and carry adequate fuel because unpredictable weather could lead to delays.
For Saturday, traffic authorities said passenger light motor vehicles, private cars and heavy goods carriers would be allowed to travel in both directions between Jammu and Srinagar, provided weather and road conditions remained favourable.
Authorities urged travellers to remain in contact with Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar and follow official advisories before and during their journeys.
They said traffic movement would remain subject to road conditions, weather developments and the clearance of any obstructions.
