Ramban, Jan 29: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open on Thursday for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) while heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) were allowed to ply only one-way towards Kashmir.
Officials said the restriction on heavy vehicles was imposed due to a 20-30 metre single-lane stretch at Kishtwari Pather, where a portion of the road had sunk.
As a result, heavy vehicles were permitted to move only towards Kashmir on Thursday and would operate on an alternate-day basis between Udhampur and Qazigund.
Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake travel during daytime only, as night travel is being discouraged due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides, and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Authorities also cautioned commuters about possible slippery road conditions due to frost formation between Nachlana and the Navyug Tunnel following recent snowfall.
Commuters have been urged to maintain lane discipline, with officials warning that overtaking and wrong-lane driving could lead to traffic congestion.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of LMVs plied on both sides of the highway towards Jammu and Srinagar.
Heavy vehicles carrying essential supplies, including oil tankers and LPG carriers, were allowed to move towards Kashmir.
Subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, LMVs would be allowed from both the Srinagar and Jammu sides.
However, heavy vehicles would be permitted only from Jakhani, Udhampur, towards Srinagar after assessment of the road and traffic situation, and no heavy vehicle would be allowed beyond 2 pm.
The Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Udhampur would coordinate with TCU Ramban before releasing heavy vehicles.
Security forces have also been directed not to move convoys against the traffic advisory, considering the narrow carriageway between Ramban and Banihal, which could lead to congestion.
Meanwhile, the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag National Highway remained closed for vehicular movement due to snow accumulation.
People have been advised to confirm the latest road status from TCUs at Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur, and Jammu before undertaking travel.
Vehicular traffic on the highway had been disrupted since January 22 due to rain and snowfall, followed by fresh snowfall on Tuesday.
The all-weather surface link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country was reopened on Wednesday afternoon, and all stranded traffic between Udhampur and Qazigund was cleared by Wednesday night.
