Ramban, Oct 4: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for one-way traffic on Saturday, with heavy vehicles allowed towards Srinagar and light to medium vehicles permitted towards Jammu. Traffic, however, moved slowly due to uneven road surfaces, single-lane operations, and additional obstructions.
Traffic authorities cited the Tharad stretch in Udhampur district as particularly challenging, with ongoing repair and blacktopping work covering 250–300 metres. Slow-moving nomadic families with livestock and occasional vehicle breakdowns further added to congestion.
Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expressed hope that road work could be completed in the next few days if weather conditions remain favourable, easing traffic for commuters and goods transporters.
The Traffic Department issued a public advisory urging travellers not to move against the traffic schedule and to check the latest road status before starting their journey. Updates are available via Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Ramban, and on the official social media channels of J&K Traffic Police.
NH-44 remains the vital lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country, and authorities have appealed for public cooperation to ensure safe and smooth movement during ongoing repair operations.
