Ramban, April 16 

Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway was open in both directions on Thursday, though movement remained slow due to single-lane stretches and ongoing four-laning work, traffic authorities said.

Subject to favourable weather and road conditions, both light motor vehicles and heavy vehicles will be allowed to ply towards Srinagar and Jammu on Friday as well, officials added.

Congestion was reported across several key stretches, particularly between Nashri and Banihal, where construction activity has reduced the highway to single lanes at multiple points. 

Vehicle breakdowns and the seasonal movement of nomadic herders with livestock towards the Kashmir valley further slowed traffic.

The highway, a key transport corridor for Jammu and Kashmir, had faced repeated disruptions last week due to landslides and adverse weather. Although two-way traffic resumed earlier this week, flow remained sluggish, especially along the Ramban-Banihal sector.

Authorities said sections between Nashri and Kishtwari Pather were particularly affected by narrowing of the road. 

While hundreds of passenger vehicles, including cars and buses, managed to pass, the movement of goods carriers lagged.

Commuters have been advised to check updates from traffic control units in Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu, or official social media channels of the traffic police before travelling. Daytime travel is recommended overnight journeys due to the risk of landslides, shooting stones and ongoing construction work along vulnerable stretches.

Separately, thunderstorms and high-speed winds disrupted electricity supply in parts of Ramban town on Thursday evening, officials said.