Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 23

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for two-way movement of light motor vehicles on Saturday, though traffic moved slowly at several stretches due to congestion, vehicle breakdowns and movement of nomadic herds between Ramban and Banihal, officials said.

Traffic authorities said that subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, the highway is expected to remain open on Sunday for two-way movement of light, medium and heavy vehicles.

Officials said heavy congestion was reported between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, where single-lane road conditions created bottlenecks and disrupted the smooth movement of vehicles.

Traffic was further affected after two heavy vehicles broke down at Ramsu and Nachlana, leading to delays for commuters travelling along the route.

Movement of nomadic herds along the Nachlana-Banihal stretch also slowed traffic on the highway, officials said.

Around 13 livestock herds crossed the highway on Thursday, and more such crossings are expected in the coming days, which could further affect traffic flow, they said.

“Traffic movement on the single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather is expected to remain slow due to the continued movement of nomadic herds,” officials said.

Authorities advised commuters to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking, warning that wrong-lane driving and traffic violations could worsen congestion.

Passengers and operators of light motor vehicles have also been asked to travel only during daylight hours and avoid night travel due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides, ongoing road work between Ramban and Banihal, and continued movement of nomadic herds along the highway.

Traffic Control Units in Jammu and Srinagar, in coordination with the Ramban district administration, are monitoring the situation, officials said.

Commuters have been urged to check the latest road and traffic status before undertaking travel on the highway.

Meanwhile, the Kishtwar-Sinthan Top-Anantnag National Highway remained open for vehicular movement, officials added.