Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 8
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open on Saturday for regulated two-way movement of light motor vehicles, while heavy vehicles were being allowed towards Kashmir from Jammu under the traffic management plan, authorities said.
Traffic was slow at several vulnerable locations, particularly a roughly 40-metre damaged section at Dewal-Samroli in Udhampur district and the Maroog-Kishtwari Pather stretch in Ramban, where restoration and four-laning work is underway.
Fresh rainfall added to the difficulties, leaving stretches between Udhampur and Chenani muddy, slushy and uneven and forcing motorists to proceed cautiously.
Traffic Police and the National Highways Authority of India continued to regulate vehicle movement and maintain damaged single-lane sections.
The Dewal-Samroli stretch requires regular maintenance, officials said, with potholes and eroded sections of the carriageway repeatedly being repaired using stones and construction material.
NHAI has deployed machinery, engineers and maintenance workers at vulnerable points, while Traffic Police personnel are managing traffic and assisting commuters.
Although restoration has improved road conditions, vehicles continue to pass through damaged single-lane sections under controlled movement, leading to queues during busy periods.
Officials warned that the affected areas remain vulnerable to further damage from rainfall, unstable slopes, landslides and shooting stones.
Restrictions on local inter-district movement also remain in force at designated points following the passage of Amarnath Yatra convoys. Commuters are allowed beyond the checkpoints after security personnel verify valid photo identification.
Traffic Police advised motorists heading towards Srinagar to use the old Jawahar Tunnel road to avoid congestion and security checks at Lamber and Banihal. Those travelling from Jammu towards Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and adjoining areas were advised to use the Patnitop route.
Passengers in light motor vehicles were advised to travel during daylight hours because of the continuing risk of landslides and shooting stones and ongoing four-laning work along the Ramban-Banihal corridor.
Heavy vehicles carrying fruit, vegetables, livestock and other perishable goods must follow the movement schedule issued by Traffic Police Headquarters. Such vehicles are being permitted on alternate days.
Fruit growers and transporters from Kashmir have been advised to park at designated locations between Navyug Tunnel and Levdoora before 9 a.m. on their notified day to facilitate traffic management.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Ramban, Raja Adil Hameed, said the highway remained open for regulated two-way movement and that measures were being taken to ensure commuter safety.
The highway has faced repeated disruptions in recent weeks as monsoon rainfall triggered landslides, mudslides, flash floods and shooting stones between Udhampur, Ramban and Banihal.
NHAI and other agencies have continued restoration and maintenance work to keep the strategic road connection operational, officials said.
