Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 17
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open to two-way traffic on Monday, although movement was slow at several damaged and single-lane sections, and authorities warned motorists of further disruptions from landslides and bad weather.
Traffic was being permitted in both directions between Srinagar and Jammu, but vehicles were being regulated at vulnerable stretches in Udhampur and Ramban districts.
Traffic was particularly slow at Dewal in Udhampur and along the Maroog-Kishtwari Pather stretch in Ramban, where vehicles were passing through restricted single-lane sections.
A fresh landslide on Sunday evening blocked the Srinagar-bound up tube at Dhramthal near Samroli in Chenani, bringing a large quantity of debris onto the carriageway.
Traffic was diverted through an alternative arrangement while the National Highways Authority of India began clearance and restoration work.
Officials said the scale of the debris meant that complete restoration of the affected up tube could take four to five days.
To keep vehicles moving during the repairs, inter-lane ramps have been constructed at both ends of the affected area, allowing traffic to bypass the blocked section through a temporary single-lane route.
SSP Traffic National Highway Raja Adil Hameed said the temporary arrangement had been put in place to maintain traffic flow while restoration work continued.
He said the Traffic Police had asked NHAI to widen and smoothen the inter-lane ramps, particularly to make it easier for large trailers and bulk carriers to negotiate the stretch.
Traffic in both directions is being routed through the available carriageways while the damaged up tube remains under restoration.
Officials said the down tube in the area had also been reduced to a single lane at two or three locations because of erosion caused by recent rainfall.
Further south, traffic remained slow at Dewal, where vehicles were being regulated through an approximately 40-metre-long damaged and uneven single-lane section. Construction and road improvement works were also contributing to congestion.
Between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather in Ramban, vehicles continued to negotiate another single-lane stretch affected by construction activity and damaged road conditions.
Heavy vehicles were moving particularly slowly through vulnerable locations, requiring traffic personnel to regulate their passage.
Authorities said passenger vehicles, private cars, goods carriers and other vehicles continued to be permitted in both directions, but traffic regulations could change depending on road conditions, weather and any new obstruction.
With weather conditions remaining unpredictable, motorists have been advised to check the latest highway status before starting their journey.
Drivers travelling between Ramban and Banihal, particularly those in light motor vehicles, have been advised to travel during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary night journeys because of the risk of shooting stones, landslides and other hazards.
Motorists have also been asked to maintain lane discipline, avoid overtaking and wrong-lane driving and refrain from stopping unnecessarily at vulnerable stretches.
Truck operators carrying fresh produce, perishable goods and livestock have been advised to follow prescribed loading limits.
Heavy-vehicle operators have been warned against overloading and told to ensure vehicle fitness and carry adequate fuel in case of delays.
Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar were continuing to monitor the highway and issue advisories.
Officials said two-way traffic would continue subject to favourable weather and road conditions, but restrictions could be imposed at short notice in case of fresh landslides, shooting stones, rainfall or other obstructions.
Travellers were advised to remain in contact with the traffic control units before and during their journey and exercise particular caution on single-lane and erosion-prone sections.
