Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 7
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open to regulated two-way traffic on Friday, including scheduled movement of Amarnath pilgrimage convoys, despite intermittent rain and vulnerable road conditions, traffic authorities said.
Light motor vehicles were being allowed in both directions, while heavy vehicles travelling from Kashmir towards Jammu were being regulated according to the traffic management plan.
Traffic remained slow at several locations, particularly the damaged Dewal-Samroli section in Udhampur district and the Maroog-Kishtwari Pather stretch in Ramban, where restoration and four-laning work is under way.
At Dewal-Samroli, vehicles were moving through a damaged single-lane section. Rain-induced mud and slush, uneven surfaces and potholes were slowing traffic, officials said.
NHAI has deployed machinery, engineers and maintenance crews to keep the route operational, while Traffic Police personnel are regulating movement.
The Maroog-Kishtwari Pather stretch was also being monitored closely because of ongoing construction and the risk of landslides, shooting stones and further damage during rainfall.
Traffic authorities said temporary restrictions could be imposed if weather or road conditions made movement unsafe.
The Traffic Police advised motorists travelling towards Srinagar to use the old Jawahar Tunnel road where permitted to avoid congestion and security checks at Lamber and Banihal. Travellers heading from Jammu towards Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar were advised to use the Patnitop route.
Motorists were urged to travel during daylight hours and exercise caution because of the continuing risk of landslides, shooting stones and road work along the Ramban-Banihal corridor.
Vehicles carrying fruit, vegetables, livestock and other perishable goods were directed to follow the movement schedule issued by Traffic Police Headquarters.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Ramban, Raja Adil Hameed said the highway remained open for regulated two-way traffic and that measures were being taken to ensure safe movement.
The highway has faced repeated disruptions during the monsoon, including landslides, mudslides, flash floods and shooting stones, but restoration and maintenance work by NHAI, Traffic Police and other agencies has kept the route operational.
