Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 18
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open to regulated two-way traffic on Tuesday, although vehicles moved slowly at several vulnerable stretches in Udhampur and Ramban districts.
Traffic was particularly slow at Dewal in Udhampur, where vehicles were being regulated through an about 40-metre damaged, uneven, and undulating single-lane stretch.
Restrictions also remained in force at the Maroog-Kishtwari Pather section in Ramban, where traffic was using a single lane amid ongoing highway construction and road improvement work.
Meanwhile, restoration of the Srinagar-bound tube at Dhramthal, or Samroli, in Udhampur was under way after a major landslide struck the area on Sunday evening and blocked the up tube.
The National Highway Authority of India has deployed workers and machinery to remove the debris, officials said, adding that the large slide was likely to take several days to clear completely.
Inter-lane ramps have been created at both ends of the affected section to allow vehicles to bypass the slide area and keep traffic moving.
SSP Traffic National Highway Raja Adil Hameed said work to clear the Srinagar-bound tube was continuing.
Officials estimated that restoration of the up tube would take at least four to five days.
At the request of traffic authorities, NHAI on Monday widened and levelled the inter-lane ramps to help commuters, particularly heavy trailers and bulkers, cross the affected section.
Under the temporary arrangement, traffic in both directions is being regulated through the available carriageways.
The down tube nearby has also been reduced to a single lane at two or three locations because of erosion caused by recent rains, adding to the need for traffic regulation.
Despite the restrictions, hundreds of vehicles travelled through the Udhampur-Banihal sector during the day, with traffic personnel deployed at critical points to prevent congestion.
At Dewal, the damaged single-lane section and ongoing construction caused intermittent congestion, with heavy vehicles moving particularly slowly.
Similar conditions prevailed between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather in Ramban, where vehicles continued through the restricted single-lane section amid construction and damaged road conditions.
Traffic authorities advised commuters to check the latest highway status before travelling.
Passenger vehicles and light motor vehicles were advised to travel between Ramban and Banihal during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary night journeys because of the risk of shooting stones, landslides and other weather-related hazards.
Motorists were also urged to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking, driving on the wrong side of the road and unnecessary stoppages, which officials said could worsen congestion on already restricted stretches.
Truck operators carrying fresh and perishable goods and livestock were advised to follow prescribed loading norms.
Heavy vehicle operators were told to avoid overloading, ensure their vehicles were roadworthy and carry adequate fuel in case delays caused by road or weather conditions prolonged journeys.
The Traffic Control Unit in Jammu said passenger light motor vehicles, private cars, heavy vehicles and goods carriers would continue to be allowed in both directions, subject to favourable weather and satisfactory road conditions.
Authorities cautioned that traffic movement remained dependent on weather and road conditions and the clearance of any fresh obstructions.
Travellers were advised to stay in contact with Traffic Control Units in Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu and follow official advisories before and during their journey.
