Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 24
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open to regulated two-way traffic on Saturday, but road repairs, damaged sections and vehicle breakdowns continued to cause delays along parts of the route, traffic authorities said.
The movement was slow at several points between Udhampur and Banihal, where widening work, narrow carriageways and the seasonal movement of nomadic livestock herds affected traffic.
In the Udhampur sector, rain damage at Dewal had reduced the road to a narrow single-lane stretch, slowing vehicles. Similar conditions were reported along the Marog-Kishtwari Pather section in Ramban district.
Breakdowns between Nashri and Banihal added to congestion along the highway, which connects the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region.
Livestock herds moving seasonally through the Banihal-Nachlana sector towards the Jammu plains also affected traffic, particularly where construction work had reduced available road space.
Traffic authorities advised motorists to maintain lane discipline, avoid unnecessary overtaking and refrain from driving on the wrong side of the road.
Drivers were also urged to exercise caution on stretches vulnerable to shooting stones and landslides, especially between Ramban and Banihal, and to avoid stopping unnecessarily at exposed locations.
Restrictions remained in place for Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers because of widening work along the Digdol-Khooni Nalla stretch.
According to the traffic advisory, the tankers faced daytime restrictions between 7 am and 7 pm.
Vehicles carrying inflammable material were not permitted to pass through tunnels, while uphill-bound tankers were allowed to travel beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
Operators carrying perishable goods and livestock were advised to follow official instructions.
Heavy-vehicle operators were told to avoid overloading and ensure their vehicles were mechanically fit and adequately fuelled before starting their journeys.
Subject to favourable weather and satisfactory road conditions, passenger light motor vehicles, private cars and goods carriers were proposed to be allowed to travel in both directions on Sunday, the advisory said.
Commuters were advised to check the latest road status with traffic control units in Srinagar, Ramban and Jammu before travelling and to follow subsequent instructions issued by the traffic police.
The authorities cautioned that traffic conditions could change depending on weather, road maintenance and the movement of vehicles through restricted sections.
